On this date, 8/4/1961, Barack Obama was born. In the Presidents Code, Obama’s Presidency displayed the time period of the Gospels. The Presidents Code is a parable based upon the name meanings of the U.S. Presidents. Their name meanings tell the story of the Biblical text, from the beginning of creation unto the days of Christ. Based upon the premise of this code, it is seen that the very characters of the Presidents, from their personal characters to the events that occurred during their Presidencies reveal in parable form the exact same events of the Biblical narrative of which their name meanings describe. In other words, the history of the United States is displaying a giant parable of the Word of God.
President Barack Obama 1/20/2009-1/20/2017
In the Presidents Code, Barack Obama‘s name meaning is speaking of Christ who comes to earth to bear the sins of mankind, and then is exalted to the Right Hand of the Father.
Barack comes from the Hebrew word ברך ‘barack’ which means blessing. This is pointing to Jesus, the Blessed One (1 Timothy 6:15; Mark 14:61).
Hussein comes from the Arabic حسين ‘Husayn’ which is a diminutive of ‘Hasan.’ حسن ‘Hasan’ means handsome from the Arabic حسن ‘hasuna’ which means to be beautiful or good. This too is pointing to Jesus, the Beautiful One (Song of Songs 6:3-4; Isaiah 4:2; 33:17; Zechariah 9:17; John 1:14; Romans 10:15-16; 2 Peter 1:16).
Obama is of African origin and means to be crooked or bent. It traces back to a Luo word ‘bam’ which means crooked or bent down with the prefix ‘O’ which means he. He is bent down.
In Hebrew the word בם ‘bam’ is speaking of something lifted up. He is bent down and then lifted up. This is pointing to Jesus who humbled Himself to come to earth, suffering death for the sins of mankind. In this He became highly exalted and given a name above every name.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Further connecting Obama to the coming of Christ is the last name Soetoro which was his stepfather’s last name that he used when he was a young man living in Indonesia. Soetoro is an Indonesian name which comes from su/so meaning good and ‘toro’ meaning a star or guide. This points to the wise men who came to visit the Christ Child after seeing His star in the east.
Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Barack Obama’s election to the Presidency portrayed the days of the Messiah. Obama rose to prominence through his message of hope and change which resonated in the hearts of the people as they had grown jaded towards the government as a result of years of corruption. So too, when Christ came on the scene, the people of Israel were ready for a change as a result of the corruption of the religious leaders of their days (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10).
However, while there were some changes from the previous administration, for the most part, America still continued in the same general direction. This too corresponds with the aforementioned time period in the Bible. Although the Messiah had come to earth, the political power of the nation was still in the hands of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
The Presidency of Barack Obama displayed the Jewish people during the days of Christ. The people drew nigh to God with their mouth and honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far from Him. Their worship was in vain as they walked according to the doctrines of Judaism as opposed to walking in true faith (Matthew 15:7-10; Isaiah 29:13). So too, the speeches and message of President Obama were honorable. However, the actions taken during His Presidency did not match his message. The Obama Presidency did not bring significant change and did not bring the hope promised. His Presidency aligned more with the corrupt political structure of the “status quo”/”deep state” that corresponds in the code with the corrupt Jewish leadership which opposed Christ Jesus.
Barack Obama’s Presidency depicts the days of Messiah, the One who came with the message of love, hope and change. Christ taught and healed the masses amidst the corrupt power structure of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, to regather all men unto Himself. He laid the foundation of His church, and before ascending back to Heaven gave them charge to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Yet, at the same time the corruption of the Jewish leaders of the days of Christ were displayed as well. The overall theme of Obama’s rhetoric was following the Golden Rule and loving your neighbor. This was the message of Christ. The Golden Rule was also a tenet of the corrupt Jewish leadership of Christ’s day, however they did not practice what they preached (Matthew 23:3). During the times of Christ, the scribes and Pharisees were in political control, sitting on Moses’ seat, and Christ told His followers to do what they preach, but do not do as they do (Matthew 23:2-4).
The fruit which Israel was called to produce was the ‘goodly’ fruit of His Word (Jeremiah 11:16). However, Israel did not produce this fruit but brought forth wicked fruit (Jeremiah 24:2-8). As a result, God brought fire upon this olive tree, breaking the branches thereof (Jeremiah 11:16-17). The Hebrew word for ‘goodly’ in Jeremiah 11:16 is תאר ‘toar’ which means a shape, form, outline or figure of a thing. תאר ‘toar’ is a cognate of the word תורה ‘torah’ which literally means instruction which defines the border of a people or the ‘image’ of a people. תורה ‘torah’ is most commonly translated as ‘law.’ Here we see that Israel was to produce the fruit of His Law which would bring forth His image to the world. His Image is that of love (1 John 4:8, 16; Matthew 22:35-40).
Israel did not bring forth this image of love (Luke 7:36-47; 10:27-37; 18:9-14). Although they were zealous for the law (Acts 21:20; 22:3), in their zealousness they corrupted its true meaning (Romans 10:2). They were outwardly religious, yet inwardly full of wickedness (Luke 11:39; 16:15; 20:47; Matthew 6:2-5, 16; 23:5, 25-27). They separated themselves from the peoples of the world, declaring anyone who didn’t worship God according to their traditions was an unclean heathen (John 4:9; 8:48; Acts 10:28).
By their traditions they had put up a dividing wall between themselves and others (Acts 21:28; Ephesians 2:14-15), preventing them from drawing nearer to God (Luke 11:52) as Israel was the custodians of His Word (Romans 3:2; John 4:22) which reveals His nature to man. It was these traditions which corrupted the Word of God (Matthew 15:2-9; Mark 7:3-13; Colossians 2:8) and perverted the message of His love to mankind, which led the Messiah to declare them as lawless (Matthew 23:28; John 7:19). It is because of this lack of love (Matthew 5:22; John 15:25) that the Lord was sent to Israel to separate the good trees from the bad (Malachi 3:2-3; 4:1; Matthew 3:10-12; Luke 3:9; John 15:2).
The religion which was set up by the leaders of Israel became known as the tradition of the elders (Matthew 15:3). A set of guidelines which the nation was to follow. In and of itself this is not a negative thing but the problem is that the people exalted their traditions above the Word of God. As a result, this religiosity became in reality, lawlessness (John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13). The religious leaders of the second Temple were outwardly religious but inwardly were full of lawlessness (Luke 11:39; 16:15; 20:47; Matthew 6:2-5, 16; 23:5, 25-27; John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13). It caused them to hate without a cause (John 15:25).
So again, the parable seen in Obama’s Presidency is the narrative of the Gospels. His message agreed with the message of Christ, yet his politics corresponded with the corrupt religious leaders of Jesus’ day. The Presidents code is not so much about politicians being equivalent to individuals in the Bible, its about the politics of the time portraying, in parable form, the narrative of the Bible.
A modern example to display this are the Presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Both Presidencies portray in parable form the time period of King David, yet their political worldviews were very different.
We see with the Presidency of Barack Obama a depiction of the time period of Jesus Christ with Obama sometimes displaying the side of Jesus while at other times displaying the side of the corrupt religious establishment of the first century. This was repeated in the Presidencies of Trump and Biden as well as these Presidencies continue to parable of the Gospels.
In 2008, Barack Obama rose to prominence through his message of hope and change which resonated in the hearts of the people as they had grown jaded towards the government as a result of years of corruption. So too, when the Messiah came on the scene, the people of Israel were ready for a change as a result of the corruption of the religious leaders of their days (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10).
However, while there have been some changes from the previous administration, for the most part, America is still headed in the same general direction. This too corresponds with the aforementioned time period in the Bible. Although the Messiah had come to earth, the political power of the nation was still in the hands of the Pharisees and Sadducees which is portrayed in the code by the Presidency of George W. Bush. Bush’s Presidency was a depiction of the second Temple period, from the time of the Maccabees to the rise in power of scribes and rabbis.
John the Baptist and Jesus Christ rose to immense popularity amongst the people because of their message (Matthew 3:5; 4:25; 8:1; 9:8, 33; 11:7; 12:15; 13:2; 15:30; 19:2; 21:9; Mark 1:5; Luke 5:15; 14:25), a message of restoration (Acts 3:21; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13) and repentance (Matthew 3:2, 8; 4:17; Mark 2:17). A message of love (Luke 3:11-15; 10:36-37; Matthew 22:39; 25:40) and hope (Luke 1:77; 3:3-6; John 1:29; 3:13-17, 27-36; Romans 8:21-25; 15:12; 1 Timothy 1:1), a change from the hypocrisy (Matthew 6:2, 5; 15:7; 23:13-15, 23-29; 23:2-33; Luke 11:44) and hate (Matthew 5:43; Luke 19:14; John 15:24-25) which the religious leaders of that time displayed. The themes of hope, change and love are what Barack Obama repeatedly spoke of in his candidacy for President and throughout his two terms in office.
When Obama ran for President, he was portrayed as someone who transcended the corrupt politics of Washington D.C., just as Jesus was seen as One who spoke with authority and not as the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32; John 7:46). Obama portrayed himself as an outsider who would stand against the corruption of D.C. politics. So too, Christ was an ‘outsider’ who stood against the corruption of the religious establishment of His days (John 9:29; Matthew 23:2-33).
Hope and change were the themes upon which Barack Obama ran in his Presidential bid. These lofty ideas were designed to reach out to those in America who had grown tired of the corrupt politics of Washington. A hope for better times. A hope which is supposed to unite. Obama spoke of this hope in his 2004 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
“We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.
In the end, that’s what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or do we participate in a politics of hope?”
“Hope — Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!
In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation. A belief in things not seen. A belief that there are better days ahead.”
Hope is what Jesus brought to the people of Israel when He walked this earth (1 Timothy 1:1). Hope that man could be saved from his wretched state of sinfulness (Acts 2:38; Titus 2:13-14). Hope that man could be restored to God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Hope that man could be made whole (Matthew 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:17-19). The hope of better times ahead (Luke 1:71-75) and more importantly eternal salvation (John 5:26; 6:40; 10:28; 11:25; 1 Peter 1:3, 18-23; Titus 1:2; 3:5-7).
Jesus also brought change to Israel. The bringing about of the New Covenant through the Messiah was based upon change (Hebrews 1:1-2; 7:12). It was a change from the first covenant to a new and better covenant between God and man (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 7:19-22; 8:6-13; 10:1-20; 12:24). This change would be so drastic that Jesus had to warn the people that He didn’t come to destroy the law of God but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20; Isaiah 42:21; Psalm 40:7; Romans 10:4). A return to the true meaning and intent of the law is another theme which is being displayed in the days of Obama’s Presidency. This will be discussed in more detail throughout this article.
In addition to the themes of hope and change, Obama brought forth the idea of the continuing ‘perfection’ of the union and the proclamation of ‘Yes We Can.’ These too are concepts which link back to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
First, let us address the idea of the ‘perfection’ of the union. On March 18th, 2008 Barack Obama gave a speech in response to the controversial sermons of the preacher of his church, Jeremiah Wright. The speech was entitled ‘A More Perfect Union.’
“Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.
The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.
Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at its very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.”
“And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk – to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.
This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren.”
Later in his speech, Obama spoke of a ‘racial stalemate’ that still exists in the country. A stalemate which will continue until the nation unites together in a common cause to continue in the task of perfecting the union.
“This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naive as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.
But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.”
“The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old — is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know — what we have seen – is that America can change. That is the true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. “
“In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.”
The Constitution of the United States was founded upon the words ‘We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.’ The idea of the Founders was to establish a government which was based upon the natural law of God. This natural law of God is summed up in the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The primary purpose of this government was to preserve and protect those rights, to ‘secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.’ The Founders understood that man was not perfect and so the union of the states was not perfect either. The Constitution was made with the provision of amendments which could be made in order for the union to continue in the ‘perfecting’ process until citizens could truly walk in the perfect law of liberty where each man could fully enjoy the rights of the Creator.
The Word of God is perfect (Psalm 19:7; James 1:25), but cannot bring man to perfection because man is not perfect (Hebrews 7:19; 10:1). The Word of God is the ‘perfect law of liberty’ but men who have tried to walk in this perfect law have never seen true liberty because of the sin which dwells within man enslaves Him (Romans 7:14-25; 9:31-32). It is only through the law of liberty being implanted into the heart of man that a change can occur which leads to perfection (Ezekiel 11:19-20; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11-13; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 6, 17-18).
It is through this ‘circumcision of the heart’ that the true intent of the law can be revealed in the lives of believers. The true intent of the law of God is not to make men religious but to reform men into the image of their God who is love (1 John 4:8). It is this love that unites us and perfects us. It is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14) which sets man free (Galatians 5:13-14).
The rights upon which this nation are founded are true and unchangeable, but the men who declared these things were not perfect. The Founders declared that all men were created equal, yet for over 80 years slavery was legal in this country. During the days of Abraham Lincoln, slavery was abolished but for another 100 years blacks were still treated as less than equal. Today, injustice and divisions between groups of people still occur. However, as can be seen by the history of this nation, the hope of change unto perfection is still there. This is why Obama’s message resonated in the hearts of so many.
“For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.” {Remarks on Election Night 11/4/2008}
“So let us pray together on this February morning, but let us also work together in all the days and months ahead. For it is only through common struggle and common effort, as brothers and sisters, that we fulfill our highest purpose as beloved children of God. I ask you to join me in that effort, and I also ask that you pray for me, for my family, and for the continued perfection of our union. Thank you.” {National Prayer Breakfast 2/5/2009}
These lofty ideas of unity in diversity to bring about a perfection of the union is based upon the work of Jesus Christ. He came to unite mankind together through His work on the cross (Psalm 50:5; Isaiah 49:3-9; Hebrews 13:20-21; Jeremiah 50:5; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 1:20; 2:1-11). As believers, the main objective in our walks is to grow in maturity as a body until the days that we meet the Lord at His return. This maturation or perfecting process is intimately linked to unity. In fact, the main goal of unity is the preparation unto perfection of the bride of Christ to meet the Bridegroom (Matthew 5:48; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 13:9-13; Ephesians 4:11-13; Philippians 3:14-15; Colossians 1:28; 3:14; 4:12; Romans 10:4; Psalm 119:1; Luke 1:17; Revelation 19:7-8; Ephesians 5:25-27). This is done through love (Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 13:9-13; Romans 13:10; 1 John 4:10, 12, 16; 5:3). This aspect of love in relation to the Obama Presidency will be discussed in more detail later.
‘Yes We Can.’ This was the rallying cry of Barack Obama.
“America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves — if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth — that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.” {Remarks on Election Night 11/4/2008}
In Hebrew, the word for ‘can’ is יכל ‘yakol’ which literally means one who is whole or complete to perform a task. Notice the connection between maturity or perfection. יכל ‘yakol’ comes from the root word כל ‘kol’ which means complete, whole or perfect. This was the message of Jesus.
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Hope & Change. Perfecting of the union. ‘Yes We Can.’ These themes all point to Jesus. He is the Hope of mankind (1 Timothy 1:1). He is the One who brings forth true change (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). He is the One perfecting mankind (Ephesians 4:12-14). He is the One through whom we can do all things, where we can proclaim ‘Yes We Can’ (Philippians 4:13).
During the 2008 campaign, Obama had great multitudes come to hear him speak. It was common to see tens of thousands of people show up to see him. In Portland, Oregon, for example, a record 75,000 people came out to hear him speak. On election night over 240,000 people jammed Grant Park and the surrounding streets in Chicago to hear Obama give his victory speech. These mass crowds correspond with the days of the Messiah who also had great multitudes follow Him wherever He went (Matthew 4:25; 5:1; 8:1; 12:15; 15:30; 21:9; Luke 5:15; 14:25).
Not only did Obama have great multitudes come out to see him on the campaign trail, but he was also received as a Messiah figure to many. Messianic rhetoric permeated Obama’s rallies. People believed he would bring ‘change we can believe in.’
Oprah Winfrey’s praise of Obama is a good starting point to display this Messianic fervor seen in Barack Obama’s Presidential run. She referred to him as ‘the One,’ which is a Messianic epithet (Acts 2:27; 3:14; 7:52; 22:14). She said he was sent to lead mankind into a higher plane of evolution as he is ‘an evolved leader who can bring evolved leadership to our country.’ She said that he has a ‘tongue dipped in unvarnished truth’ and not only speaks the truth but is the truth. The Bible declares that Jesus is THE truth (John 14:6).
At his rallies, it is said some people would faint while others could ‘feel’ things coming forth from him. At one rally in Texas a band even played a song entitled ‘Obama-aljuah.’ Some even reported that days after going to an Obama rally, they would forget what he spoke about but could still feel his presence with them.
Ezra Klein, a writer for the Washington Post wrote of this phenomenon:
“Obama’s finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don’t even really inspire. They elevate. They enmesh you in a grander moment, as if history has stopped flowing passively by, and, just for an instant, contracted around you, made you aware of its presence, and your role in it. He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh, over color, over despair. The other great leaders I’ve heard guide us towards a better politics, but Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves, to the place where America exists as a glittering ideal, and where we, its honored inhabitants, seem capable of achieving it, and thus of sharing in its meaning and transcendence.”
Gary Hart, a former senator who ran for President, said:
“He is in fact an agent of transformation. He is not operating on the same plane as ordinary politicians…I see Barack Obama as a leader for this transcendent moment, the agent of transformation in an age of revolution, as a figure uniquely qualified to open the door to the 21st century and to convert threat to great new opportunity.”
In February 2008, Chris Matthews associated Obama with the ‘New Testament.’
“I’ve been following politics since I was about 5, “I’ve never seen anything like this. This is bigger than Kennedy. [Obama] comes along, and he seems to have the answers. This is the New Testament.”
“I have to tell you, you know, it’s part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama’s speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don’t have that too often. No, seriously. It’s a dramatic event.”
In March 2008, Steve Davis in the Journal Gazette and Times-Courier spoke of Obama’s Christ like portrayal.
“I have been examining the Obama phenomenon myself, and have concluded, at least for myself, a Midwestern white male, that Barack’s appeal is actually messianic, it’s something about his aura, his spirit, his soul, that exudes enlightenment in the making.
Oh, he’s not fully enlightened, being that enlightenment is a process, not an event. But for reasons I can’t fully articulate, he is one of those individuals who communicates God-like energy (metaphorically speaking), in whom you can ‘feel’ God.”
“I’m taking a special look at Barack Obama because he’s a lot closer to a Jesus-type than the other candidates, by quite a bit. What if God decided to incarnate as men preaching ‘hope and change.’ And what if we didn’t recognize them, because we are so dull, and let them slip away, not availing ourselves of the opportunity to be led by God!”
After Barack Obama won the Democratic party’s nomination for President Jesse Jackson said:
“What Barack Obama has accomplished is the single most extraordinary event that has occurred in the 232 years of the nation’s political history. … The event itself is so extraordinary that another chapter could be added to the Bible to chronicle its significance.”
The day after Obama was elected, In the Chicago Tribune, Dahleen Glanton wrote an article entitled ‘Some see God’s will in Obama win,’ which displayed the connections which some saw between Obama and Jesus.
“Lord, we have again come to you in prayer, and you have heard our cries from heaven, and you have sent us again from the state called Illinois, a man called Barack to heal our land.”
Glanton quoted Lawrence Dean, the dean of Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel:
“There are many elements to Obama’s win in which Christians can find spiritual significance…It is powerful and significant on a spiritual level that there is the emergence of Barack Obama 40 years after the passing of Dr. King. No one saw him coming, and Christians believe God comes at us from strange angles and places we don’t expect, like Jesus being born in a manger.”
Messianic imagery has also been applied to Barack Obama in the 2012 campaign trail as well. In March 2012, a new book was published entitled “The Gospel of Barack Hussein Obama According to Mark”. The book claims to be a ‘meditation on what it means to be human, what it means to be a manifestation of God, and how Barack Obama is a unique and important manifestation of God’s desire for human flourishing.’
In April 2012, Obama’s wife, Michelle said the following at a campaign stop in Nashville, Tennesse:
“I am going to be working so hard. We have an amazing story to tell. This President has brought us out of the dark and into the light.”
This imagery is applied to Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:2; 60:1-3; Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:78-79).
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
Many of these Messianic labels and descriptions of Barack Obama borderline on blasphemy but it goes to show how not only does his name meaning fit into the ‘code’ but the narrative of his Presidential story does as well.
Much controversy has surrounded Barack Obama concerning his past. One of the most significant controversies is in regards to the claims that his birth certificate is a forgery and that he was not born in the United States. This would make him an illegitimate President according to the Constitution. According to Article Two of the Constitution, a President must be at least thirty five years of age and a natural born citizen of the United States in order to be eligible for the office. There are a significant amount of people who believe that Obama is not a citizen and have come to be called ‘birthers.’
It is not the purpose of this book to argue for either side of this issue. The main point to be made is that this controversy in regards to Barack Obama corresponds with the life of Jesus Christ. He had ‘mysterious’ origins (John 8:14; 9:29) which led Him to become a ‘stranger to His brethren’ (Psalm 69:8). He came to His own and His own knew Him not (John 1:11).
Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. Hawaii means ‘homeland’ and is one of the smallest states in the Union. This points to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), fulfilling the ancient prophecy of the where the Messiah would be born (Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:2).
Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
As a result of Herod’s wrath, God warned Joseph to flee into Egypt (Matthew 2:12-15), a foreign land. This corresponds with Obama moving from Hawaii to Indonesia early in his life when his mother remarried Lolo Soetoro.
When Barack Obama was 10 years old, he returned to Hawaii to live with his grandparents. This correlates with Jesus moving back to the land of Israel after the death of Herod (Matthew 2:19-23).
Jesus was believed to have been the son of Joseph (Luke 3:23). However, when He came proclaiming that God was His Father (John 17:11) and miracles followed which testified to this statement (John 10:37-38; 14:11; Acts 2:22), many began to question His origins (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Luke 4:22; John 6:42; 9:29).
Jesus came in His Father’s name (John 5:43), as did Barack Obama. While Obama has gone by the names Barry Obama and Barry Soetoro at various stages in his life, his given name is Barack Hussein Obama II.
As a result of Obama’s seemingly mysterious origins, some have even proclaimed that Barack Obama Sr. is not his father. This too corresponds with some of Israel who could not accept that Jesus was the Son of God and declared He was a blasphemer (John 5:17-18; 10:29-39) worthy of death (Matthew 26:63-66; John 19:7).
The questions and perceived mystery of Barack Obama’s life before he became President depicts the divided views of the people of Israel in regards to Messiah (John 7:43). They could not figure out who He was (Matthew 21:10; Luke 5:21; 7:49; John 1:19; 9:29; 12:34) and argued amongst themselves. Was He the Prophet spoken of by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:45; 7:40)? Was He the Messiah (John 7:41)? Some argued that He couldn’t be the Messiah because no one would know from whence He came (John 7:26-27) while others argued that He couldn’t be the One because they thought He came from Galilee and not Bethlehem (John 7:41-43).
Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President from of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Illinois where Abraham Lincoln gave his ‘House Divided’ speech.
The House Divided speech was based upon Christ’s proclamation that mankind can either be for Him or against Him. We can be united in Him, restored to God the Father, or we can be scattered abroad (Matthew 12:30; Hosea 1:11; John 11:52). This was the essence of the life of Christ. He brought great division to the nation (Matthew 10:21, 35-36; 24:10; Mark 13:12-13; Luke 12:51; 21:16-17; John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19), yet His ultimate purpose was to unite mankind together (Psalm 50:5; Isaiah 49:3-9; Hebrews 13:20-21; Jeremiah 50:5; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 1:20; 2:1-11). This theme of unity and division is seen in the Presidency of Obama.
In 2004, Barack Obama gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. It is here that he rose to national prominence after his speech which focused on the theme of unity.
“For alongside our famous individualism, there’s another ingredient in the American saga, a belief that we’re all connected as one people. If there is a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there is a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for their prescription drugs, and having to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandparent. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties.
It is that fundamental belief — It is that fundamental belief: I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper that makes this country work. It’s what allows us to pursue our individual dreams and yet still come together as one American family.
E pluribus unum: ‘Out of many, one.’
Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us — the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of ‘anything goes.’ Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America.”
As Barack Obama ran for President in 2008, he spoke over and over of the importance of unity and breaking through the divisions of the two-party system. Perhaps the best example is the speech he gave on January 20th, 2008 at Ebenezer Church, the home of Martin Luther King. The speech was entitled ‘The Great Need of the Hour‘ which was focused on the theme of breaking down the walls of injustice and inequality which can only come through unity, as in the days of the walls of Jericho falling down. Following are a few excerpts of this speech in which Obama uses the life of Martin Luther King as an example of how Americans today can overcome the issues which divide us.
“Unity is the great need of the hour – the great need of this hour. Not because it sounds pleasant or because it makes us feel good, but because it’s the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country.
I’m not talking about a budget deficit. I’m not talking about a trade deficit. I’m not talking about a deficit of good ideas or new plans.
I’m talking about a moral deficit. I’m talking about an empathy deficit. I’m taking about an inability to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we are our brother’s keeper; we are our sister’s keeper; that, in the words of Dr. King, we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny.
So we have a deficit to close. We have walls – barriers to justice and equality – that must come down. And to do this, we know that unity is the great need of this hour.”
“So let us say that on this day of all days, each of us carries with us the task of changing our hearts and minds. The division, the stereotypes, the scape-goating, the ease with which we blame our plight on others – all of this distracts us from the common challenges we face – war and poverty; injustice and inequality. We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing someone else down. We can no longer afford to traffic in lies or fear or hate. It is the poison that we must purge from our politics; the wall that we must tear down before the hour grows too late.”
“Because if Dr. King could love his jailor; if he could call on the faithful who once sat where you do to forgive those who set dogs and fire hoses upon them, then surely we can look past what divides us in our time, and bind up our wounds, and erase the empathy deficit that exists in our hearts.”
“The Scripture tells us that we are judged not just by word, but by deed. And if we are to truly bring about the unity that is so crucial in this time, we must find it within ourselves to act on what we know; to understand that living up to this country’s ideals and its possibilities will require great effort and resources; sacrifice and stamina.
That is how we will bring about the change we seek. That is how Dr. King led this country through the wilderness. He did it with words – words that he spoke not just to the children of slaves, but the children of slave owners. Words that inspired not just black but also white; not just the Christian but the Jew; not just the Southerner but also the Northerner.
He led with words, but he also led with deeds. He also led by example. He led by marching and going to jail and suffering threats and being away from his family. He led by taking a stand against a war, knowing full well that it would diminish his popularity. He led by challenging our economic structures, understanding that it would cause discomfort. Dr. King understood that unity cannot be won on the cheap; that we would have to earn it through great effort and determination.
That is the unity – the hard-earned unity – that we need right now. It is that effort, and that determination, that can transform blind optimism into hope – the hope to imagine, and work for, and fight for what seemed impossible before.”
On January 18th 2009, a ‘We Are One’ concert was held in honor of Obama’s inauguration which took place at the Lincoln memorial, further linking Obama and Lincoln and the theme of unity. On the following day, Obama celebrated Martin Luther King day. He spoke of King as ‘not just a dreamer, but a doer’ who worked tirelessly for change. He further spoke of the necessity of everyone getting involved in the ‘rebuilding’ of America. Speaking of his inauguration which would occur on the following day, Obama alluded to his election as a culmination of Martin Luther King’s work:
“Tomorrow, we will come together as one people on the same Mall where Dr King’s dream echoes still.”
Yet, the nation has become even more divided as a result of Obama’s election and Presidency. Political pundits have spoken of this time period in American history as the most divided since the days of Abraham Lincoln. Half of the country believes they are their ‘brother’s keeper’ while the other half has grown more and more Libertarian in their views of government’s role in the lives of the people. At the beginning of 2012, after a Gallup poll was run, the Washington Post declared Barack Obama as ‘the most polarizing president. Ever.’
Another aspect of Lincoln’s ‘House Divided’ speech is linking to another aspect of the words of Christ in response to the religious leaders of His day that He was performing miracles by the power of the devil (Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17).
Although there have been many rumors of Barack Obama being a Muslim, he is very open about his faith in Jesus Christ and has denied ever being a Muslim. These rumors of Obama being a Muslim line up with the false claims of the religious leaders of Christ’s day that He worked miracles by the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 9:34; 12:24; Mark 3:22).
“There is one thing that I want to mention that I think is important. Part of what we’ve been seeing during the course this campaign is some scurrilous e-mails that have been sent out, denying my faith, talking about me being a Muslim, suggesting that I got sworn in the U.S. Senate with a Quran in my hand or that I don’t pledge allegiance to the flag. I think it’s really important for your readers to know that I have been a member of the same church for almost 20 years, and I have never practiced Islam. I am respectful of the religion, but it’s not my own. One of the things that’s very important in this day and age is that we don’t use religion as a political tool and certainly that we don’t lie about religion as a way to score political points. I just thought it was important to get that in there to dispel rumors that have been over the Internet. We’ve done so repeatedly, but obviously it’s a political tactic of somebody to try to provide this misinformation.” {Q&A: Barack Obama – Interview by Sarah Pulliam and Ted Olsen in Christianity Today – January 2008, Vol. 52}
Barack Obama not only openly professes belief in Jesus Christ, but also prays to God through Christ, that God would make him and instrument of His will.
“The prayer that I tell myself every night is a fairly simple one: I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that my sins are forgiven, that my family is protected and that I am an instrument of God’s will. I’m constantly trying to align myself to what I think he calls on me to do. And sometimes you hear it strongly and sometimes that voice is more muted.” {Interview with Dan Gilgoff on beliefnet.com}
“When I wake in the morning, I wait on the Lord, and I ask Him to give me the strength to do right by our country and its people. And when I go to bed at night I wait on the Lord, and I ask Him to forgive me my sins, and look after my family and the American people, and make me an instrument of His will.” {National Prayer Breakfast 2/3/11}
This desire to walk in God’s will was the foundational part of Obama’s conversion experience.
“I came to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, but rather as an active, palpable agent in the world and in my own life. It was because of these newfound understandings that I was finally able to walk down the aisle of Trinity one day and affirm my Christian faith. It came about as a choice, and not an epiphany. I didn’t fall out in church, as folks sometimes do. The questions I had didn’t magically disappear. The skeptical bent of my mind didn’t suddenly vanish. But kneeling beneath that cross on the South Side, I felt I heard God’s spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth and carrying out His works.”
These prayers and experiences of Obama correspond with Jesus who was the ‘instrument’ of God who always did the Father’s will (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Psalm 40:8; Hebrews 10:9).
Rumors surrounding Obama’s faith still abound in 2012. Obama responded to these continued doubts in regards to his faith in Jesus in an interview with Washington National Cathedral magazine in August 2012.
“I have a job to do as president, and that does not involve convincing folks that my faith in Jesus is legitimate and real. I do my best to live out my faith, and to stay in the Word, and to make my life look more like His.”
When the people of Messiah’s day doubted who He was and what was the nature of His faith, He responded in similar fashion. He told them to look at His works and then they would see who He truly was (John 5:36; 10:25, 32-38; 14:10-11; Matthew 11:4-5; Luke 7:21-23; Acts 2:22).
In his 2008 Election victory speech, Obama spoke of his election as a demonstration that ‘all things are possible.’
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
This idea of ‘all things being possible’ connects back to the words of the Angel Gabriel when he informed Mary that she would give birth to a son, while as yet a virgin.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Obama also associated his election victory with the ‘dream of the Founders.’ The dream of the Founders is displayed in the words of the Declaration of Independence.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These words declared that all men are equal, created in the image of God and given unalienable rights by Him to live their lives in freedom. This dream is also spoken of in the first Chapter of Luke where Mary is promised that she would give birth to the Son of the Highest who would sit upon the throne of David and reign forever, fulfilling the promise God gave to Abraham (Luke 1:31-33, 55). Later Zacharias prophesied that his son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for Jesus who would set Israel free where they might live without fear of their enemies and be saved from their sins (Luke 1:67-79) in accordance with God’s oath to Abraham.
These promises of the Savior coming in accordance with the promise to Abraham is further seen in Obama’s Inauguration. The theme of Obama’s Inauguration was a ‘New Birth of Freedom’ to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. In the Presidents Code parable, Abraham Lincoln‘s Presidency pictures the life of the Patriarch Abraham.
To Abraham’s Seed was God’s promise given (Genesis 12:3; 15:4; 18:18; 22:18; Galatians 3:7-29). Scripture declares that it was not to seeds as of many, but to his Seed, the Messiah.
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
It is through this Promised Seed that all mankind can be adopted into the family of God and be called His children (Galatians 3:16, 22-29). It is only in Him that these children can declare that they are free (John 8:31-36). This is the essence of the dream of the Founders and why when the Declaration of Independence was penned, Jesus Christ was proclaimed as the only King of America.
Samuel Adams said the Declaration of Independence enthroned the Lord as the King of the United States.
“We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and..from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come.” {Samuel Adams speaking to the Continental Congress 7/4/1776}
It is said that John Adams, who was one of the five men to draft the Declaration of Independence, declared “We have no King but Jesus.” In a letter to his wife Abigail after the Declaration was signed, Adams spoke of Christianity as being the cornerstone of the American government.
“The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.”
“The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
Continuing in his Inaugural Address, Obama also spoke of the commonality of man.
“We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”
Going back to Luke 1, this idea of an era of peace is also seen. Zacharias prophesied that his son would prepare the way for the Messiah who would ‘guide our feet into the way of peace’ (Luke 1:79). Later, this same declaration was made by the angels who announced the birth of Christ.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
During Christmas, mankind celebrates the birth of Christ in the midst of winter. This too has connections to Obama’s Inaugural Address. In concluding his Inaugural speech, Barack Obama spoke of the troublous times that America was experiencing as a ‘winter’ comparable to the trials which the Founders overcame.
“So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
‘Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet … it.’
“America! In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
The Hebrew word for winter is חרף ‘charaph’ which literally means a piercing, as in the piercing cold winds felt during this time of year. Winter is a time of darkness, which is a parable of the piercing of the Seed of the woman and His death. Winter lasts for three months which corresponds with the three days in which Messiah was in the grave before He rose again (Matthew 27:63; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; 1 Corinthians 15:4).
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
In Psalm 89 David is given a vision of this prophecy of the Promised Seed. Psalm 89 speaks of the ‘Chosen one’ of the people who is anointed and strengthened to defeat His enemies and rule over the land promised to Abraham (Psalm 89:19-25). This Chosen One would declare that God is His Father and God would declare Him as His firstborn Son (Psalm 89:26-27) who would reign forever (Psalm 89:28-29, 36-37). David is then shown how Messiah would bear the sins of mankind (Psalm 89:50; Isaiah 53; Romans 15:3) where His heel would be pierced (Psalm 89:51) in accordance with the prophecy of Genesis 3:15.
Psalm 89:50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;
Psalm 89:51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.
In verse 51, the word translated as ‘reproached’ is the same Hebrew word for winter, חרף ‘charaph.’ The word ‘footsteps’ is עקב ‘aqav’ in Hebrew which literally means the heal and anointed comes from the Hebrew word משיח ‘mashiyach’ which is means Messiah or Christ.
Winter is a parable of tribulation and in particular the suffering and death of Messiah. Spring, is a parable of rebirth, in particular referring to the resurrection of Messiah. Spring is announced by the Vernal equinox when the sun arises directly over the Eastern horizon. Recall that Obama, in his Inaugural, admonished the American people to keep their ‘eyes fixed upon the horizon.’
Another interesting connection between Obama’s inauguration and the life of Jesus Christ is the ‘Kid’s Inaugural’ which took place the evening before Obama’s inauguration. The event was hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden and was broadcasted on the Disney channel. This connects to Jesus’ emphasis on the importance of children in regards to the Kingdom of Heaven and the preaching of the Gospel (Matthew 18:3-6; 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16-17).
The first order signed by President Obama was a proclamation declaring his Inauguration Day a ‘National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation.’
“As I take the sacred oath of the highest office in the land, I am humbled by the responsibility placed upon my shoulders, renewed by the courage and decency of the American people, and fortified by my faith in an awesome God.
We are in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is being tested, and our people know great uncertainty. Yet the story of America is one of renewal in the face of adversity, reconciliation in a time of discord, and we know that there is a purpose for everything under heaven.
On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright — it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more.
So in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, let us remember that: ‘The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.’
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.”
This proclamation has significant connections to the coming of Messiah. To begin with, the concept of renewal is promised to Israel by the Prophets through the coming of the Messiah and their turning again unto God through Him (Malachi 3:1-4; Zechariah 8:3-6; Lamentations 5:21; Psalm 80:3, 7, 19; Jeremiah 31:4, 18, 23-25). Reconciliation is associated with the former concept. It is speaking of man being reconciled back to God through the work of the Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
The word translated as reconciliation in the Scriptures is the Greek word καταλλαγή ‘katallagē.’ The word is speaking of the exchange of money and also gives the sense of atonement. The word is actually translated as atonement in Romans 5:11 speaking of the atonement which man is given through Jesus. This reconciliation – atonement link is seen further in Daniel 9:24 which is speaking of the reconciliation for iniquity which comes through the Messiah. In Daniel 9:24 the Hebrew word ‘reconciliation’ is כפר ‘kaphar’ which is usually translated as atonement.
This day of renewal and reconciliation was to be coupled with acts of service, one to another, with the purpose of remaking the nation. This too links to the Messiah. He came to offer Himself as an atonement for sin to reconcile mankind back to God. He humbled Himself even unto death, that others might be restored to the Father (Philippians 2:8; Titus 2:14). He did this to set an example for His people on how they were to reveal His love and to carry out the ministry of reconciliation which He had passed on to them (John 13:13-17; 15:12-13; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 2:6; 3:16).
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Barack Obama was the first President to make mention of non-Christian faiths in his Inaugural address.
“We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers.”
While this caused controversy amongst many, it too points back to Jesus. Scripture declares that in the Messiah shall the ‘gentiles trust’ (Matthew 12:21; Romans 15:8-12; Isaiah 11:10). For Jesus is the true Light which enlightens every man (John 1:9; 12:44-46; Isaiah 49:6), sent to restore all of mankind back to God (Isaiah 45:22; Romans 3:29; John 1:12; 3:15-17).
The message of Jesus is universal. It transcends religious, ethnic or cultural barriers. It is a message of love and reconciliation back to God. It is the message of victory over death which entered into the world when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:45-48; 55-56(. This message of forgiveness and restoration is not just for Israel, but whosoever shall believe in the Lord Jesus.
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus did not play religion. He reached out the sick, the blind, the deaf, the adulterer, the sinner and the tax-collector. Those who knew they needed Him (Matthew 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 9:11). Those who saw how helpless they were without Him. This is what true religion is (James 1:26-27; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:17; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 9:13; Mark 12:33). Not doctrine, but acts of love towards one another (John 13:35; 1 John 3:17; 4:12, 20-21).
In his speeches, Barack Obama displays this theme of love towards one’s fellow man, despite their differences and perceived ‘sickness’ or ‘evil.’ This concept of love is found in every religion, it is the commonality which points back to Jesus who is the epitome of God’s love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-16).
“We know too that whatever our differences, there is one law that binds all great religions together. Jesus told us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” The Torah commands, “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” In Islam, there is a hadith that reads “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” And the same is true for Buddhists and Hindus; for followers of Confucius and for humanists. It is, of course, the Golden Rule – the call to love one another; to understand one another; to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.” {National Prayer Breakfast 2/5/2009}
“I believe in God’s command to ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ I know the version of that Golden Rule is found in every major religion and every set of beliefs -– from Hinduism to Islam to Judaism to the writings of Plato.” {National Prayer Breakfast 2/2/12}
Scripture declares that love of one’s fellow man is equated with love of God (1 John 4:11-12, 20-21) and is the fulfillment and purpose of His Word (Matthew 22:39-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 6:2). This is the basis of the Declaration of Independence and the true meaning of walking in liberty (Galatians 5:13-14).
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Continuing with his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2012, Obama echoed Paul’s words.
“And when I talk about shared responsibility, it’s because I genuinely believe that in a time when many folks are struggling, at a time when we have enormous deficits, it’s hard for me to ask seniors on a fixed income, or young people with student loans, or middle-class families who can barely pay the bills to shoulder the burden alone. And I think to myself, if I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense.
But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’s teaching that ‘for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.’ It mirrors the Islamic belief that those who’ve been blessed have an obligation to use those blessings to help others, or the Jewish doctrine of moderation and consideration for others.”
“It’s also about the biblical call to care for the least of these – for the poor; for those at the margins of our society.
To answer the responsibility we’re given in Proverbs to ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.’ And for others, it may reflect the Jewish belief that the highest form of charity is to do our part to help others stand on their own.
Treating others as you want to be treated. Requiring much from those who have been given so much. Living by the principle that we are our brother’s keeper. Caring for the poor and those in need. These values are old. They can be found in many denominations and many faiths, among many believers and among many non-believers. And they are values that have always made this country great — when we live up to them; when we don’t just give lip service to them; when we don’t just talk about them one day a year. And they’re the ones that have defined my own faith journey.
And today, with as many challenges as we face, these are the values I believe we’re going to have to return to in the hopes that God will buttress our efforts.”
Scripture speaks of this same concept of the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak as a portrayal of the work of Christ (Romans 15:1-3). For the law of liberty to work in the lives of man, these acts of love must be acted upon (James 1:25-27; 2:8, 14-17).
Continuing in his speech at the 2012 Prayer Breakfast, Obama’s comments resembled those of these aforementioned Scriptures.
“I think we all understand that these values cannot truly find voice in our politics and our policies unless they find a place in our hearts. The Bible teaches us to ‘be doers of the word and not merely hearers.’ We’re required to have a living, breathing, active faith in our own lives. And each of us is called on to give something of ourselves for the betterment of others — and to live the truth of our faith not just with words, but with deeds.”
“As a loving husband, or a supportive parent, or a good neighbor, or a helpful colleague — in each of these roles, we help bring His kingdom to Earth. And as important as government policy may be in shaping our world, we are reminded that it’s the cumulative acts of kindness and courage and charity and love, it’s the respect we show each other and the generosity that we share with each other that in our everyday lives will somehow sustain us during these challenging times. John tells us that, ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.’”
These acts of love and caring for the weak amongst us is what drew Barack Obama to faith in Christ. Scripture declares that caring for the poor and the needy and standing up for the rights of the oppressed is how man can truly come to know God (Jeremiah 22:3, 16; 9:24; Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:8; Zephaniah 2:3; Philippians 2:1-5; Matthew 25:12, 31-46). It is when we walk in love towards one another that we know that God abides within us (1 John 4:12-13).
“I didn’t become a Christian until many years later, when I moved to the South Side of Chicago after college. It happened not because of indoctrination or a sudden revelation, but because I spent month after month working with church folks who simply wanted to help neighbors who were down on their luck – no matter what they looked like, or where they came from, or who they prayed to. It was on those streets, in those neighborhoods, that I first heard God’s spirit beckon me. It was there that I felt called to a higher purpose – His purpose.
In different ways and different forms, it is that spirit and sense of purpose that drew friends and neighbors to that first prayer breakfast in Seattle all those years ago, during another trying time for our nation. It is what led friends and neighbors from so many faiths and nations here today. We come to break bread and give thanks and seek guidance, but also to rededicate ourselves to the mission of love and service that lies at the heart of all humanity. As St. Augustine once said, ‘Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.’
So let us pray together on this February morning, but let us also work together in all the days and months ahead. For it is only through common struggle and common effort, as brothers and sisters, that we fulfill our highest purpose as beloved children of God. I ask you to join me in that effort, and I also ask that you pray for me, for my family, and for the continued perfection of our union. Thank you.” {National Prayer Breakfast 2/5/2009}
In the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast Barack Obama re-iterated that his belief in Christ came as a result of seeing the concept of ‘love thy neighbor’ being implemented regardless of the religious background of the people involved.
“My mother, whose parents were Baptist and Methodist, grew up with a certain skepticism about organized religion, and she usually only took me to church on Easter and Christmas — sometimes. And yet my mother was also one of the most spiritual people that I ever knew. She was somebody who was instinctively guided by the Golden Rule and who nagged me constantly about the homespun values of her Kansas upbringing, values like honesty and hard work and kindness and fair play.
And it’s because of her that I came to understand the equal worth of all men and all women, and the imperatives of an ethical life and the necessity to act on your beliefs. And it’s because of her example and guidance that despite the absence of a formal religious upbringing my earliest inspirations for a life of service ended up being the faith leaders of the civil rights movement.
There was, of course, Martin Luther King and the Baptist leaders, the ways in which they helped those who had been subjugated to make a way out of no way, and transform a nation through the force of love. But there were also Catholic leaders like Father Theodore Heshburg, and Jewish leaders like Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Muslim leaders and Hindu leaders. Their call to fix what was broken in our world, a call rooted in faith, is what led me just a few years out of college to sign up as a community organizer for a group of churches on the Southside of Chicago. And it was through that experience working with pastors and laypeople trying to heal the wounds of hurting neighborhoods that I came to know Jesus Christ for myself and embrace Him as my lord and savior.”
In these displays of reaching out to others in the name of love, Obama is following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King who said that “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
Obama referenced these words of Dr. King in his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2010.
“Surely we can agree to find common ground when possible, parting ways when necessary. But in doing so, let us be guided by our faith, and by prayer. For while prayer can buck us up when we are down, keep us calm in a storm; while prayer can stiffen our spines to surmount an obstacle — and I assure you I’m praying a lot these days — prayer can also do something else. It can touch our hearts with humility. It can fill us with a spirit of brotherhood. It can remind us that each of us are children of a awesome and loving God.
It is this spirit of civility that we are called to take up when we leave here today. That’s what I’m praying for. I know in difficult times like these — when people are frustrated, when pundits start shouting and politicians start calling each other names — it can seem like a return to civility is not possible, like the very idea is a relic of some bygone era. The word itself seems quaint – civility.
But let us remember those who came before; those who believed in the brotherhood of man even when such a faith was tested. Remember Dr. Martin Luther King. Not long after an explosion ripped through his front porch, his wife and infant daughter inside, he rose to that pulpit in Montgomery and said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
In the eyes of those who denied his humanity, he saw the face of God.”
In his address, Obama continued with a few more examples of where man, although divided by certain circumstances, can come together in the common bond of love and ‘see the face of God.’
“Remember Abraham Lincoln. On the eve of the Civil War, with states seceding and forces gathering, with a nation divided half slave and half free, he rose to deliver his first Inaugural and said, “We are not enemies, but friends… Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”
Even in the eyes of confederate soldiers, he saw the face of God.
Remember William Wilberforce, whose Christian faith led him to seek slavery’s abolition in Britain; he was vilified, derided, attacked; but he called for “lessening prejudices [and] conciliating good-will, and thereby making way for the less obstructed progress of truth.”
In the eyes of those who sought to silence a nation’s conscience, he saw the face of God.
Yes, there are crimes of conscience that call us to action. Yes, there are causes that move our hearts and offenses that stir our souls. But progress doesn’t come when we demonize opponents. It’s not born in righteous spite. Progress comes when we open our hearts, when we extend our hands, when we recognize our common humanity. Progress comes when we look into the eyes of another and see the face of God. That we might do so — that we will do so all the time, not just some of the time — is my fervent prayer for our nation and the world.”
‘Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.’ This is the essence of the life of Jesus who gave His life for those who were at enmity with Him (John 15:25; Psalm 69:4; Isaiah 53:3), that they might be restored unto God and become His friends (John 15:13-15). This love is revealed in Jesus who is the ‘face of God’ (Hebrews 1:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:13-15)
Going back to Obama’s address at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2009, is a further display of his understanding of the power of love to bring unity between men.
“But no matter what we choose to believe, let us remember that there is no religion whose central tenet is hate. There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know.
We know too that whatever our differences, there is one law that binds all great religions together. Jesus told us to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” The Torah commands, “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” In Islam, there is a hadith that reads “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” And the same is true for Buddhists and Hindus; for followers of Confucius and for humanists. It is, of course, the Golden Rule – the call to love one another; to understand one another; to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.
It is an ancient rule; a simple rule; but also one of the most challenging. For it asks each of us to take some measure of responsibility for the well-being of people we may not know or worship with or agree with on every issue. Sometimes, it asks us to reconcile with bitter enemies or resolve ancient hatreds. And that requires a living, breathing, active faith. It requires us not only to believe, but to do – to give something of ourselves for the benefit of others and the betterment of our world.
In this way, the particular faith that motivates each of us can promote a greater good for all of us. Instead of driving us apart, our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife and rebuild what has broken; to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. This is not only our call as people of faith, but our duty as citizens of America, and it will be the purpose of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships that I’m announcing later today.”
Man was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) but that image was corrupted when Adam sinned. From there man took up the image of Adam which still pointed back to God, but in a corrupted form (Genesis 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Jesus Christ came to earth in the very image of Almighty God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3), who is love. His life displayed that love and He calls all those who believe in Him to display that love as well (John 13:34; 15:12). This is the essence of the concept of ‘Christ in us’ (John 17:21-23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 5:20; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; 12:27). It is through His love that man is formed into His image (Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29) where there is no longer Jew or Greek, Barbarian or Scythian but Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11).
This is the message of the Gospel. Love. Love that breaks down the barriers and walls which man has set up to divide (Ephesians 2:1-22; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Love that breaks down the wall of sin which has separated man from God (Isaiah 59:2; John 3:16; 12:32; Isaiah 49:6; Revelation 5:9). This love is revealed in our actions towards our fellow man, not in our intellectual proclamations.
All of us see through a glass darkly which keeps us from seeing eye to eye (1 Corinthians 13:12). The only remedy for this is love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 John 4:7-21). Love and patience towards one another until the Lord returns and His salvation is fully revealed (Isaiah 52:7-10). Love allows man to understand that we can have differences of opinions but ultimately if we stand on the foundation of love we can dwell in unity (Ephesians 4:2-16, 32; 5:1-2; Colossians 3:9-17).
Love is the essence upon which this nation was built. Love is the Rock upon which this nation stands (Matthew 7:24-27; John 15:10; 1 John 4:8, 16; 5:3; 2 John 1:6). The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia which comes from the Greek word φιλαδελφος ‘philadelphos’ which means brotherly love. The government of the United States is founded upon this concept of love which is the path to liberty (Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 17; Galatians 5:1, 6; James 1:25; 2:12).
George Washington wrote of the importance of love and walking in the footsteps of Jesus in his blessing over the 13 states after the War for Independence.
“I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection; that he would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another…and finally that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.”
John Quincy Adams also spoke of this concept in regards to the understanding which the Founders had of the natural law. The Declaration of Independence was founded upon this natural law which is grounded in the principle of loving one’s fellow man.
“When our fathers abjured the name of Britons, and ‘assumed among the nations of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitled them…They spoke of the law of nature, and in the name of nature’s God…The God in whose name they spoke had taught them, in the revelation of the Gospel, that the only way in which man can discharge his duty to Him is by loving his neighbor as himself, and doing with him as he would be done by; respecting his rights while enjoying his own, and applying all his emancipated powers of body and of mind to self-improvement and the improvement of his race.”
The message of love and unity which has been delivered through the Presidency of Barack Obama has not come to fruition as the nation is as divided as it ever has been. This corresponds with the days of Jesus who was bringing forth this message of love which restores the relationship between man and God and therefore between man and man. At this time in history however, the political power in Israel was still in the hands of the Pharisees and Sadducees and the doctrine of division was still in full force, division between different sects of Israel and even more strongly between Israel and the gentiles.
Jesus came with the message that the love of God extends to all mankind, not just Israel. Due to the divisive religious spirit of the times, His message was not accepted and enraged the people who were in bondage to this divisiveness to the point of wanting to murder Him (Luke 4:24-29). So too, Obama’s comments about love and understanding towards people of other cultures and faiths, i.e. ‘gentiles,’ has enraged many in this nation and furthered conspiracy theories that he is a Muslim or communist who is destroying the nation. This was the same mindset of the people of Israel in regards to God’s love towards what they perceived as unclean gentiles (Acts 9:15; 11:2-3; 13:46-47; 22:21-22; 26:18; Romans 16:26; Galatians 1:15-16; Ephesians 3:6-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16).
Now, let us delve further into the connection between God’s law of love and the history of the United States in light of this ‘Presidents Code.’
The United States was founded upon the Declaration of Independence, a proclamation that man is endowed by his Creator with certain unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A government founded upon the natural law given by the Creator. In the code, this time period in American history points to the beginning of creation which was brought forth by the Word of God (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 11:3).
Ancient Israel was also a nation founded upon the Word of God. Their origins came from Mt. Sinai where the law was given by the Creator (Deuteronomy 33:2). He gave Ten Commandments upon which society was to be based (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-22). The Lord began with a ‘declaration of independence’ which proclaims that He is the God who sets men free.
Exodus 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
While the United States was founded upon this natural law, the principle of freedom being a right given by the Creator to all men was not realized in this country until the Civil Rights movement. The Civil Rights time period in American history points to the days of Israel in the wilderness, where the law was given by the hand of Moses.
So too, the Word of God existed from the beginning (Psalm 33:6; 119:52, 89; 1 John 2:17; 2 John 1:5-6) but was not ‘given’ until the days of Moses (John 1:17; Galatians 3:17; Romans 5:20-21).
While the U.S. was founded upon the natural law given by the Creator, its history has been marred with hypocrisy in regards to this law. Slavery existed for the first 87 years until Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation but persecution and unequal rights continued for another hundred years. So too, Israel’s history is marred with the hypocrisy of being a nation who had God’s law but didn’t walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16; Ezekiel 20:11-13).
This history of America in regards to the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation of slaves and the Civil Rights movement is continued in Barack Obama’s election to the Presidency. While running for office, Obama referred to a ‘new declaration’ and referred to the work and words of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King. The Declaration of Independence and the lives of Lincoln and King depict the phases in which God has revealed His Word to man until ultimately that Word became flesh and dwelt amongst mankind (John 1:14). Lincoln pointed to the days of Abraham, MLK to the days of Moses and then Obama to the days of Christ. As Obama’s Presidency portrays the coming of this Word to dwell among man, it is no surprise that his election to the Presidency would be strongly associated with the Declaration of Independence and these two men.
As spoken of earlier, Obama’s election to the Presidency was linked to the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Both men were Congressman from Illinois who were elected to the Presidency during times of trial. Obama announced his candidacy for President at the very place Abraham Lincoln gave his ‘house divided’ speech and would later swear the Presidential oath upon the same Bible that Lincoln did.
In January of 2009, Obama hosted a train tour in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He re-enacted the final part of Lincoln’s 1861 train tour which he took from Springfield, Illinois to Washington D.C. on his way to being inaugurated as President. During Obama’s speeches, he spoke of a ‘new birth of freedom,’ ‘better angels’ and a ‘new declaration of independence’ drawing upon the words which Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg and in his first inaugural speech.
“While our problems may be new, what is required to overcome them is not.”
“What is required is the same perseverance and idealism that our founders displayed.”
“What is required is a new declaration of independence, not just in our nation, but in our own lives — from ideology and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry — an appeal not to our easy instincts but to our better angels.”
Lincoln’s Presidency was a picture of the promise to Abraham of the Seed of the woman. Obama pictures the coming of that Promised Seed.
So too, there are numerous parallels between Barack Obama and Martin Luther King. As mentioned earlier, the Inauguration of Obama occurred one day after the annual honoring of Dr. King. Obama held a ‘We Are One’ celebration at the Lincoln Memorial where King delivered his ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’ It was on the 45th anniversary of this speech that Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president. In an interesting parallel pointing back to the days of MLK, Obama delivered an outdoor convention acceptance speech for the first time since John F. Kennedy who was president when Dr. King was raised to prominence in the nation.
In his Presidential acceptance speech, Obama hearkened back to this dream of Martin Luther King where mankind would be united as one.
“She [speaking of Ann Nixon Cooper, the 106 year old woman who voted in the 2008 election] was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes, we can.”
“This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”
Martin Luther King‘s ‘I Have a Dream Speech‘ which was delivered at the Lincoln memorial had strong allusions to the time period of John the Baptist and the Messiah.
“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
Here we see King referring to Isaiah 40:4-5 which is speaking of the one crying in the wilderness who comes to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist came proclaiming that ‘race’ is irrelevant and what truly matters is your faith in the Most High (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8). He prepared the way for the Glory of the Lord to be revealed, who is Messiah (Revelation 21:23). The One who gathers all mankind together (John 11:52; 12:32).
Later in 1965, Martin Luther King gave a sermon based upon the song ‘We Shall Overcome‘ which was the anthem of the Civil Rights movement. He spoke of faith in this concept of overcoming that the words of Isaiah 40:4-5 would be fulfilled.
“With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to speed up the day. And in the words of prophecy, every valley shall be exalted. And every mountain and hill shall be made low. The rough places will be made plain and the crooked places straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
On the night that Obama was elected, in Chicago’s Grant Park a large banner was held up before all which proclaimed ‘We Have Overcome.’ In 2009, during Martin Luther King day a banner was held up at the Capitol with the same declaration.
This concept of overcoming in regards to the Civil Rights movement has fascinating connections to Israel, especially during their days when Jesus walked the earth. The name Israel literally means one who overcomes with God (Genesis 32:27; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; 21:7). This overcoming is accomplished through Jesus (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4; 5:3-5; Revelation 5:5; 12:11). Through Jesus, believers overcome and are made into a ‘chosen generation’ which in the Greek literally means an ‘chosen generation’, an ‘elect race’ (1 Peter 2:9).
In Hebrew the word for race is גזע ‘geza’, which means the stock or root of a tree. As mentioned previously, the message of John the Baptist and Jesus was that ‘race’ does not matter. All that matters is what tree you are grafted into (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8; John 8:33-47). The Olive Tree of Israel who is Messiah (Romans 11:16; Isaiah 6:13; 11:1-3; Galatians 3:16; Isaiah 49:3-6; Luke 2:29-32), or the ‘root of the serpent’ (Isaiah 14:29; John 8:44; Matthew 23:33).
Further linking this concept of believers in Jesus as overcoming Israel is the term Nazarene. Jesus was called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23) from the city of Nazareth (John 1:11; 19:19; Matthew 21:11; Acts 2:22). Originally, Christians were called Nazarenes as they were followers of the Nazarene (Acts 24:5). Nazarene derives from the Hebrew word נצר ‘netsar.’ This word literally means a branch as in the the ‘Branch’ spoken of in Isaiah 11:1, who is the Messiah (Acts 13:22-23), the Root of David who overcomes (Revelation 5:5).
Christians are the branches of this Olive Tree of Israel (John 15:5). They are neither Jew or Gentile but new creatures in Christ (Colossians 3:10-12; Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:26-29). This is what Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned when he gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. A dream where men will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. A time when the Glory of the Lord is revealed (Isaiah 40:4-5; 49:6; 52:10; John 1:14; 12:41; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Hebrews 1:3) and men are judged not by outer appearance but by their fruit (John 7:24; Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33-35).
Fruit comes forth from the tree wherein one resides (Genesis 1:11-12; Luke 6:43-44). Believers bring forth fruit from the Tree of Life who is Jesus (John 15:1-5; Proverbs 11:30). Unbelievers bring forth fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil whose fruit comes from the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3).
Yet another connection between Martin Luther King and Barack Obama is seen in the link between Moses the lawgiver and the Messiah who would reveal the true intent of that law and fulfill it (John 1:17; 5:46-47). King’s message of equal rights was based upon the Declaration of Independence, a picture of the Word of God. This Word would not be delivered until the days of Moses, which was pictured in American history during the Civil Rights movement. Linking King further to Moses is his last public speech in which he likened himself to Moses who saw the promised land but didn’t enter.
“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Martin Luther King saw the promised land and articulated this dream in his speech at the Lincoln Memorial. The fulfillment of this dream would be realized, at least symbolically, in the election of Barack Obama. This is paralleled in Scripture where Messiah comes as the Prophet who is like unto Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15) bringing forth grace and truth (John 1:17).
These transitions in American history from the Declaration of Independence to Abraham Lincoln, and from the Civil Rights movement to Obama’s election all correspond with the Biblical narrative of the God’s Word being revealed to man.
God created all things through His Word (Psalm 33:6; 119:52, 89; 1 John 2:17; 2 John 1:5-6). This corresponds with the Declaration of Independence which was written at the founding of the United States of America. The first mention in Scripture of man walking in His Word is the by the Patriarch Abraham (Genesis 18:19; 26:5). This corresponds to the days of Abraham Lincoln who penned the Emancipation Proclamation where slaves were freed and given the right to walk in the God given rights spoken of at the Founding of this country.
At Mt. Sinai, God gave His Word to Moses and the first mention of His Word being written down is seen. This corresponds to the Civil Rights movement where legislation was passed that ended segregation and officially recognized the principle of the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, and thus all men deserve these same God given rights.
Barack Obama becoming the first black President is the culmination of the United States realizing the words of the Founders penned in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. So too, it wasn’t until the days of Messiah that the purpose of the law was fully revealed to Israel (Matthew 5:17; Isaiah 42:21; Romans 3:31; 10:4; Galatians 3). One of the main aspects of the ministry of the Messiah was to declare to Israel the primary objective of the law. To love the Lord with all of one’s heart, mind, soul and strength and to love one’s neighbor as the Lord loves us (Matthew 22:36-40; 1 Timothy 1:15; Galatians 5:13-14; John 13:34; Galatians 6:2).
Now, let us examine the Presidency of Barack Obama and see how it lines up with the days of Jesus Christ. In his first week in office, Obama established a policy of producing a weekly Saturday morning video address available on the internet. This is yet another connection to Jesus who would give a weekly address on Saturdays as well.
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
(Official White House photo by Pete Souza)
Yet another custom which connects Obama and Jesus is seen in the Passover Seder. On April 9th 2009, Barack Obama became the first President to hold a Passover Seder in the White House. It is argued as to whether the Passover Seder custom in Judaism traces back to the second Temple times but whether it does or not it still brings to mind the Temple period when the Passover was still being observed (Luke 2:41; 22:1; John 6:4; 11:55).
The Last Supper of Christ was a Passover meal (Luke 22:15) in which He instituted the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20).
In October 2009, Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for ‘his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.’ This made Barack Obama the fourth President to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The others being, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter. The Presidencies of Roosevelt and Wilson depicted the life of Joseph whose life was a shadow picture of Jesus. Jimmy Carter’s Presidency pictured King David, whose life was also an incredible shadow picture of Jesus. The Presidency of Barack Obama pictures the times of Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of his efforts in diplomacy and cooperation between different peoples. As mentioned previously, this aspect of Obama’s character is a depiction of Jesus who was sent to earth to gather all mankind back to God, not just those of a particular religion. This connection between reaching out to peoples of other faiths and creeds, i.e. ‘gentiles,’ and Messiah’s character as the Prince of Peace is seen in the words of Peter after the Lord showed him that gentiles are not to be considered as ‘unclean’ creatures but are beloved in the eyes of God, just as much as Israelites (Acts 10:28).
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
In 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obama Care, which brought the first ‘universal’ health care program to America. Bill Clinton was the last President to attempt such a feat but failed. This unsuccessful attempt by Clinton displayed the ‘health’ problem of Israel during the time of the Kings and Prophets. The wickedness of Israel which caused their exiles is likened in Scripture unto a bruise or a health problem (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11-12, 22; Ezekiel 13:10).
The ‘healing’ of the nation would only occur by the hand of the Lord Himself. This plays out perfectly in Obama’s Presidency as he is picturing the days of the Messiah who healed the multitudes (Matthew 12:15; 19:2; Luke 6:19). It is also the Messiah who brings back the exiles (John 11:49-52).
On May 2nd 2011, Osama Bin Laden was killed. Bin Laden was credited with the terrorist attacks of 911 and the cause of the War on Terror. The War on Terror is a depiction of the struggles between Israel and those who would have dominion over them while they lived in the Promised Land during the days of the Second Temple. This yoke of foreign dominion would only be broken by the Messiah (Isaiah 9:1-7; 10:27; 14:25).
Osama Bin Laden’s name is a depiction of the judgment of God upon Israel for their wickedness. Osama means ‘lion’ in the Arabic language. Laden means a burden. In Scripture, judgment is likened to an attack of a lion (Jeremiah 2:30; 4:7; 5:6; Lamentations 3:10; Hosea 5:14; 13:8) and to a burden as well (Isaiah 30:27; 46:2; Habakkuk 1:1).
However, Scripture also likens the victories of Israel over their enemies in the same lion imagery (Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; 24:9; 2 Samuel 7:10; Isaiah 31:4; Revelation 5:5). The ultimate victory over the yoke of foreign dominion is through the Messiah, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5-10). The breaking of the yoke began during Jesus’ first advent when the yoke of sin which had held mankind in bondage since the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden was broken through His death and resurrection (John 8:32-36; Romans 6:14-22; 8:2, 15). The completion of the breaking of the yoke will be seen when Christ returns to set up His everlasting kingdom (Revelation 5:10; 20:6).
This promise of the yoke being broken by the Messiah in Isaiah chapter 9 has fascinating connections to the attacks of September 11th, 2001. To begin, Isaiah 9 is clearly speaking of Jesus. He is the Light which shines upon those dwelling in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16; Luke 1:78-79; 2:32; John 8:12). He is the Prince of Peace who is given an everlasting kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:11; Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Matthew 1:23).
Christ’s yoke sets us free from the heavy burden of sin.
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The connection to 911 is seen in Isaiah 9:10 where the House of Israel boasts that they would rebuild their kingdom after the Assyrians had destroyed the land. This yoke of the Assyrian is the beginning of the foreign dominion seen in the land of Israel which continued to the days of the Messiah.
Isaiah 9:10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
This verse in Scripture was spoken by Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle the day after the attacks of September 11th.
“‘The bricks have fallen down but we will rebuild . . . The sycamore have been felled but we will replace them with cedars.’ This is what we will do. We will rebuild.”
On the anniversary of the attack in 2004, John Edwards who was running for Vice President stated ‘Today, on this day of remembrance and mourning, we have the Lord’s Word to get us through’ and then proceeded to quote Isaiah 9:10.
On June 14th 2012, President Obama inscribed these very thoughts on a beam which would be placed atop the rebuilt ‘One World Trade Center’ or ‘Freedom Tower.’ “We remember, we rebuild, we come back stronger!”
While the comments by Daschle, Edwards and Obama were designed to be positive declarations of America rebounding from the attacks of 911, the connection to Isaiah 9 is not positive at all. The declaration of Israel in Isaiah 9 is one of pride and stoutness of heart which is in rebellion against the judgments of God which are designed to lead unto repentance. As a result, Israel was cut off completely (Isaiah 9:9-16).
Following this pronouncement of judgment, an interesting parallel between the Northern House of Israel who dwelt in the land during the First Temple and the Southern House of Judah who dwelt in the land during the Second Temple is seen. Isaiah 10:1-2 speaks of those who decree unrighteous decrees and turn aside judgment from the needy and rob widows. Jesus applies these evils to the religious leaders of Israel during His days on earth (Matthew 23:3-4, 14). Eventually both Temples would be destroyed and both houses of Israel would go into exile.
In the code, the corruption of the Word of God by the religious leaders of Israel during the Second Temple is paralleled in the violations of the Bill of Rights during the George W. Bush administration. These violations continued into the Presidency of Barack Obama as well.
The violations of the Bill of Rights seen in the Bush and Obama Presidencies correspond with the corruptions of the Ten Commandments by the religious leaders of the Second Temple.
In late 2011, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act which was signed by President Obama on New Year’s Eve. The NDAA gives the government power to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely. The controversial part is that even citizens of the United States can be detained if they are deemed as possible terrorists. This legislation openly violates the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution which gives citizens the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
The Sixth Commandment prohibits murder. This commandment was corrupted by the religious leaders of the second Temple period as can be seen in the account of the unjust condemnation of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:3-9) as well as their blood-lust against the Messiah Himself (Luke 23:14-16; John 18:31; 19:6-7; Matthew 27:24).
In March 2012, Obama signed the ‘Trespass Bill’ which violates the First Amendment to the Constitution which gives Americans the right to peaceably assemble. The Trespass Bill made it a federal offense for anyone to protest or assemble without permission on grounds where the Secret Service is protecting a government official or any building or grounds ‘restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance.’
The Trespass Bill does not openly repeal the first Amendment but does violate the spirit of the right to peaceably assemble. So too, the religious leaders of the Second Temple did not openly break the first commandment which forbids idolatry but the spirit of the law was broken when they set themselves up above God by changing His law (Matthew 15:3; Mark 7:8). They professed to know God but in works denied Him (Titus 1:14-16).
In February of 2009, Obama declared that combat missions in Iraq would be ended by August 31st, 2010. It was on this very day, that President Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over. ‘Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.”
In the code, the War in Iraq depicted the division in Israel between the Pharisees and Sadducees who combined with the Herodians. The name Iraq is speaking of a country divided by two rivers. There was strong division between the two parties in Israel until Jesus came on the scene. Now these religious leaders had a common enemy and joined together against Him (Matthew 16:1; 22:16; Mark 3:6). Jesus also didn’t separate them but combined them together when He warned His disciples about their corrupt ways (Matthew 16:6, 11-12; Mark 8:15). This corruption of the law by both parties is seen in the ‘bi-partisan’ violations of the Bill of Rights seen in the Bush and Obama Presidencies.
Yet another continuation of the Bush Presidency was seen in the issue of Gay Rights. In December 2010, President Obama repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and in May 2012, he became the first sitting U.S. president to publicly support legalizing same-sex marriage.
In the code, the Gay Rights movement pictures the corruption of the priesthood during the Second Temple period. For the purpose of understanding, here is a short summation of how this controversial subject plays out in light of the “code”.
It was widely rumored that James Buchanan was in a homosexual relationship with William Rufus King as neither married and the two lived together for many years. The rumors were never confirmed and it is not the purpose of this code to speculate further on the claims as the main reason for sharing such information is to display the connection to Nimrod. In the code, Buchanan’s Presidency portrayed the days of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel.
According to the understanding of some scholars, Nimrod was the ‘father’ of the Mystery religions which are linked in Scripture to homosexuality. Homosexuality is associated with the sin of sodomy which gets its name from the actions of the wicked men of Sodom (Genesis 19:5; Deuteronomy 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7). The Hebrew word which is translated as sodomy is קדש ‘qadesh’ which literally means a ‘cult prostitute.’ Cult Prostitutes were a part of the worship rituals of those in the Mystery religions who performed immoral sexual acts in their temples during ancient times. The Hebrew word קדש ‘qadesh’ is also translated as “holy.” It is something set aside for a special purpose, good or evil.
Further connecting the Tower of Babel and Sodom is the judgment that God brought upon both. The Scriptures speak of Sodom as a place of exceedingly wicked sinners (Genesis 13:13; 18:20) in whom God would intervene to end their evil (Genesis 18:20), just as He did with the sinful building of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:7).
The controversy over homosexuality in America is a picture of the corruption of the priesthood during the history of Israel. It was during the days of the Kings that sodomites flourished in the land of Israel (1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7; Hosea 4:14). In the code, this time period corresponded with the Presidency of Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton issued the policy of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ in regards to the service of homosexuals in the military. Clinton’s policy depicts the illegitimate priesthood instituted by Jeroboam after the House of Israel split (1 Kings 12:31; 13:33).
This controversy over the rights of homosexuals in this country has continued through the Presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Their Presidencies depict the days of the second temple in which the priesthood was also corrupted, albeit in much more veiled way than the days of the Kings and Prophets.
During the second Temple times, the priesthood was indeed corrupted. The Prophet Malachi speaks of this corruption and associates it with marriage (Malachi 2:5-17).
The corruption of the priesthood began during the days of the Maccabees where illegitimate priests were set up who led the country into the ways of the heathen (1 Maccabees 7:9; 2 Maccabees 4:7-13, 23-29; 14:3). The Maccabees restored the priesthood temporarily until a prophet would rise to restore the office permanently (1 Maccabees 14:41-42). This prophet would be John the Baptist, the son of Zacharias the priest (Luke 1:5), the messenger who prepared the way for the Lord (Malachi 3:1). It would be the Christ the Lord who was set up as Priest in the restored priesthood (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20; 7:1-28; 1 Samuel 2:35; Revelation 1:6).
When Herod took power, he corrupted the priesthood yet again by instituting the office of High Priest according to election, in many cases by bribery, as opposed to an inheritance by lineage. By the time of the writing of the New Testament, the High Priest was changed on a yearly basis (John 11:49-51; 18:13; Luke 3:2), many times based upon who paid the most for the office.
On a deeper note, the Jewish leadership of the time of Christ was also involved in the practice of the Mystery religions that they picked up during their days in exile in Babylon (Ezekiel 11:12, 21; Ezra 9:7; Wisdom 2:12-21). This is alluded to in the Apocryphal book of Susanna, an “extension” of the book of Daniel.
Dan 13:5 The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges, who seemed to govern the people.
In June, 2015 the Supreme Court ruled that states may not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couple and must recognize existing marriages. This gives a sense of permanency to the issue of gay marriage which lines up with the ‘permanent’ corruption of the Levitical priesthood.
Jesus Christ ended the Levitical priesthood and instituted the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:11-28; 8:1-13).
John the Baptist came in opposition of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:5-7) and their corruption of the law of God. The religious leaders of Israel during the days of King Herod were zealous for the law, but this zealousness was not mixed with the true intent of the law which is faith, hope and love. As a result, the Lord sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah. So too, the Presidencies of Bush and Obama have been ‘zealous’ for the rule of law but in reality have corrupted the Constitution upon which the law is based.
The message of John the Baptist and the Messiah was one of restoration (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13). Restoration to the true meaning and intent of the Word of God (Luke 1:68-79; 3:3-18). As mentioned previously, the true meaning and intent of God’s law is love.
Love is the basis of which the government of the United States is founded upon. The Founders spoke of the American form of government as being reliant upon the ability of man to govern himself by walking in accordance with the law of God which is summed up in one word, love (Matthew 22:40).
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity…to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” {James Madison to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia 1778}
“It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other.” {James Madison -The Proceedings of the Convention of Delegates, Held at the Capitol in the City of Williamsburg, in the Colony of Virginia, on Monday the 6th of May, 1776}
During the days of Christ, the religious leaders of Israel had inherited a zealousness for the law from the Maccabees and saw their religion as that which defined them (1 Maccabees 2:19; 2 Maccabees 8:1; 14:38). The message of John the Baptist and Messiah was not that of religion, but of relationship with God through covenant (Acts 5:20; Luke 3:8; 13:25-29; Matthew 7:21-23; 18:3; 21:31; Luke 6:46).
The Founders of the United States did not envision Americans defining themselves according to political parties. They envisioned Americans defining themselves as freemen, given this liberty by their Creator. They were to be defined by their walk with God.
It is during the days of Barack Obama that an identical political message, led by a Texas Congressman named Ron Paul, was brought forth to the people. A return to the true intent of the Constitution. A return to the Founders who ‘preached’ the ‘Gospel of Liberty.’
In the code, Ron Paul’s role parallels the role of John the Baptist in the Biblical narrative. Amazingly, Ron Paul has been characterized in similar terms as John the Baptist. He has been described as a ‘voice in the wilderness’ for his many years of standing against corruption in Washington despite being, many times, the only person voting against un-constitutional legislation (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23). In September 2011, Time magazine published an article on Ron Paul entitled ‘The Prophet’ as many of Dr. Paul’s warnings which were scoffed at in the past, have come true in recent years (Luke 7:28).
The Prophet Elijah came from Gilead and John the Baptist who came in his spirit ministered in this land which was located on the Jordan river (1 Kings 17:1; Matthew 3:5-6; 177:10-13). Gilead was a land of doctors (Jeremiah 8:22). Gilead was famous for healing rosin that dropped from trees which grew near the Jordan river. Ron Paul’s profession before getting into politics was that of a doctor.
Yet another interesting connection is that the name Gilead comes from the ‘witness heap’ which Jacob and Laban set up to certify their covenant (Genesis 31:46-48). In the Presidents Code, this period was portrayed in the Presidency of Grover Cleveland.
Cleveland was considered the ‘last Libertarian President’ who vetoed any legislation passed by Congress which he saw as unconstitutional. This led him to be called the ‘veto president.’ This parallels the political work of Ron Paul who has been given the nickname ‘Dr. No’ for the scores of legislation he voted against which he deemed as unconstitutional. Dr. Paul has also said that Grover Cleveland is the President he most admires most and even had a picture of him in his office.
Just as John the Baptist was sent with a message to return the people to the the law and their fathers (Malachi 4:4-6), Ron Paul was raised up to deliver the message of the returning to Constitution and the ideology of the Founders. Theirs was a message that God is the true source of freedom and the rights upon which this government is based. Ron Paul’s words echo that of the Founders.
“It is God Who gave us life. As He is free, so are those He created in His image. Our rights to life and liberty are inalienable.”
“…My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator.”
“We have, as a people, lost our confidence and our understanding of what true liberty is all about and where it comes from …It doesn’t come from the government. Our liberties come from our Creator.”
“There is only one kind of freedom and that’s individual liberty. Our lives come from our creator and our liberty comes from our creator. It has nothing to do with government granting it.”
Just as the message of Barack Obama resonated in the hearts of many Americans, so too has the message of Ron Paul. His message has been so influential that a movement has been formed around it, dubbed the ‘Ron Paul Revolution.’ This movement has been especially influential amongst the youth of America. Former White House correspondent, Juan Williams, described the movement as bringing about a ‘political age of Republican Ron Paul.’
This ‘Ron Paul Revolution’ or ‘Liberty movement’ corresponds with the message of Jesus and John the Baptist and their disciples who carried forth the Gospel even after they were gone. What was their message? A return to the ‘faith once delivered to the saints’ (Jude 1:3), walking in the old paths wherein is the good way (Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:28-29). This corresponds with the message of returning to the message of the Founders of this country, proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence.
The Gospel is a message of reconciliation between God and man through Jesus Christ where man is returned to his original state in the Garden (1 Corinthians 15:47-49; Romans 5:12-21), walking in the true intent of the law, the perfect law of liberty (John 8:31-32; Isaiah 8:16; Psalm 119:42-45; James 1:25; 2:10-12; Galatians 5:1, 13-14; 2 Corinthians 3:17), working out ones salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:13). These concepts are paralleled in Ron Paul’s message of individual liberty. At one debate, when asked how he would use the ‘bully pulpit’ of the Presidency if elected, Ron Paul said he would use it to continue spreading the ‘Gospel of Liberty.’
This Gospel message of freedom in Christ is the source upon which the Founders of this government relied.
“…The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty…’The Rights of the Colonists as Christians’…may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament.” {Samuel Adams – Rights of the Colonists}
Ron Paul ran for President in 2008 and 2012 bringing a message which contradicted the establishment, just as John the Baptist and Jesus Christ contradicted the establishment of their days. Dr. Paul brought forth a message of returning to the Constitution and Bill of Rights which is based upon the unalienable rights given to man by his Creator. This is the ‘natural law’ which was defined by John Locke as the Law of God.
“…the Law of Nature stands as an Eternal Rule to all Men, Legislators as well as others. The Rules that they make for other Men’s Actions, must, as well as their own, and other Men’s Actions, be conformable to the Law of Nature, i.e. to the Will of God.” {John Locke – Of Civil Government}
As mentioned before, the last two Presidencies have seen open violations of these rights in the name of security just as the religious leaders of the Second Temple corrupted the Word of God in the name of security. The leaders of the nation set up ‘fences’ around the law to protect the people from going astray as they had done during the days of the First Temple. However, it was these fences that were the foundation of the ‘oral law’ which ended up corrupting the law of God (Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:8; 1 Peter 1:18; Galatians 1:1).
Ron Paul came with a message warning of the corruption of the Federal Reserve which corresponds with the attack on the moneychangers by Jesus (John 2:14-17; Matthew 21:12). In the code this Federal Reserve system and fiat currency depicts the contrast between God and Mammon (Luke 16:13-15; Matthew 6:19-24).
The end of the gold standard came about in 1971 and created a nearly worldwide fiat money system in which bankers or money changers would have unlimited power to manipulate the economy. ‘Fiat’ comes from the Latin word ‘fiat’ which means ‘it shall be.’ This comes from the Hebrew word היה ‘hayah’ which means ‘to be.’ For the United States, it literally means the chairman of the Federal Reserve can say ‘let it be’ and it happens.
היה ‘hayah’ means ‘to be’ as in ‘I AM’ which is speaking of God Himself (Exodus 3:14). The ability of the Federal Reserve to say ‘let it be’ and it comes to pass is a power that only God should have. Here we see in the Federal Reserve a parable of the two tables of which the Apostle Paul spoke of (1 Corinthians 10:21).
Ron Paul has staunchly opposed the wars of President Bush which were declared without approval of Congress in violation of the Constitution. He has suggested a foreign policy based upon the Golden Rule. In the code, the War on Terror is associated with the neo-conservative idea of American Exceptionalism which is a corrupted view of a ‘shining city on a hill.’ Dr. Paul’s foreign policy lines up with the true ideals of a ‘shining city upon a hill’ which is showing forth the love of God by one’s actions which leads to others joining in the same (Matthew 5:14-16; John 5:35; Philippians 2:15).
In his Inaugural address Barack Obama, who also opposed the wars of President Bush, displayed this ‘shining city on a hill’ concept as being in contradiction to the Neo-Conservative definition.
“As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man — a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake.”
The Neo-Conservative method of spreading the ‘gospel’ of liberty is by force.
This forced spread of Democracy to other nations of the world is justified under the doctrine of ‘American Exceptionalism.’ This idea is based upon America’s goodness seen in its form of government which is based upon rights given by a Creator. The concept of a ‘shining city upon a hill.’ The problem with the usage by the Neo-Conservative movement is that the concept of a shining city upon a hill has always been one of setting an example for others to follow, not forcing American ideals upon them by warfare.
Both the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that the Messiah would come to save Israel by force, destroying their enemies through war and setting up Israel as the head of the nations. This is depicted by the Neocon idea that the American empire will spread by the use of its military power and thus lead the peoples of the world into freedom. Contrariwise, Jesus Christ came preaching the Gospel of love and repentance towards God. The message that the Kingdom of God begins within the heart of man (Luke 17:21) and would spread by peace, not violence (Mark 16:15; Luke 4:18; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15).
The neoconservative’s corrupted view of American Exceptionalism is further seen in the belief of Jews during the Second Temple period that they were somehow better, or more exceptional, than other peoples because they were the seed of Abraham (John 8:33). This belief was rebuked by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
The message of Jesus was that the actions of believers, walking in the love of the Word of God is what makes them the shining city upon a hill.
John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Scripture declares this light as the Word of God (Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:105), who became flesh and dwelt among us (Isaiah 9:2; John 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). During the second Temple period, Israel had come to boast that they were this light, forgetting that it is not they, but the Word of God that shines as light into the world (Romans 2:17-29). This corrupted view is seen in George W. Bush’s 2002 speech on the anniversary of September 11th where he declared the cause of America as the hope of all mankind, borrowing a phrase from John Chapter 1 which is referring to the Word of God.
“Tomorrow is September the 12th. A milestone is passed, and a mission goes on. Be confident. Our country is strong. And our cause is even larger than our country. Ours is the cause of human dignity; freedom guided by conscience and guarded by peace. This ideal of America is the hope of all mankind. That hope drew millions to this harbor. That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness will not overcome it.”
‘And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness will not overcome it.’ The Scripture says this is referring to Jesus Christ.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
This portion of Scripture in the book of John declares that Jesus is the Word made flesh, who was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-3). This Word in the beginning corresponds with the Declaration of Independence as true independence comes from the Word of God who is Messiah (John 8:31-32).
The problem with the Bush Doctrine is that many of the means which were instituted to spread Democracy to other nations were based in unconstitutional actions. The right message was being put forth, but the means by which it was to be instituted was corrupted. This was the problem with Israel during the days of King Herod.
The religious leaders of Israel during the days of King Herod were zealous for the law, but this zealousness was not mixed with the true intent of the law which is faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). As a result, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1,3; 11:10; Luke 3:4; 7:27). The message of John the Baptist and the Messiah was one of restoration (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13). Restoration to the true meaning and intent of the Word of God (Luke 1:68-79; 3:3-18).
The religious leaders of Israel had inherited a zealousness for the law from the Maccabees and saw their religion as that which defined them (1 Maccabees 2:19; 2 Maccabees 8:1; 14:38). The message of John the Baptist and Messiah was not that of religion, but of relationship with God through covenant (Acts 5:20; Luke 3:8; 13:25-29; Matthew 7:21-23; 18:3; 21:31; Luke 6:46).
The religion which was set up by the leaders of Israel became known as the tradition of the elders (Matthew 15:3), a set of guidelines which the nation was to follow. In and of itself this is not a negative thing but the problem is that the people exalted their traditions above the Word of God. As a result, this religiosity became in reality, lawlessness (John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13).
Ron Paul and the 6th Party system
The Ron Paul Revolution led to the forming of the ‘Tea Party.’ The foundations of the Tea Party trace back to December 2007 when Ron Paul supporters raised a record 6.5 million dollars in a single day in a ‘money bomb’ which was called the ‘Boston Tea Party 07.’ It was based upon the message of Ron Paul that the Tea Party formed, advocating a strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution.
However, the Tea Party in many ways departed from the message of Ron Paul and joined forces with the Republican party of whom Dr. Paul had chastised in 2008 as having gone astray from the principles of the Constitution. The Tea Party led the Republican party to landslide victories in the 2010 midterm elections resulting in a regain of control in the House of Representatives in 2011 and later the Senate in 2015.
This division between followers of Ron Paul and those who would rally behind politicians like Sarah Palin depict the division between those who followed Messiah and those who followed Him not yet proclaimed His name (Luke 9:49-50; Mark 9:38-40). The primary difference between the ‘Paulites’ and the ‘Palinites’ is foreign policy. Ron Paul preached the message of non-interventionism which was advocated by Washington and Jefferson. Sarah Palin was an advocate of a foreign policy which is more in line with the Neo-Conservative movement and the concept of ‘American Exceptionalism.’ Again, this view is a corruption of the concept of a ‘shining city upon a hill.’
Both the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that the Messiah would come to save Israel by force, destroying their enemies through war and setting up Israel as the head of the nations. However, Jesus Christ came preaching the Gospel of love and repentance towards God. The message that the Kingdom of God begins within the heart of man (Luke 17:21) and would spread by peace, not violence (Mark 16:15; Luke 4:18; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15). This is how the Light of God’s Word would be shone to the nations, not through military might (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15). This dichotomy lines up with the two ‘factions’ of the Tea Party movement.
As mentioned before, the large crowds and the almost ‘messianic fervor’ which was seen for Barack Obama in 2008, and Ron Paul in 2012 are indicative of the state of the people in this country. In 2016 this was seen with Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. The people were desperate for change. They had grown exceedingly tired of the corruption seen in their government. This was seen during the days of Messiah as well. The corruption of the religious leaders was seen by many in the nation so they flocked to John the Baptist and later to Jesus Christ.
This movement continued into the days of the Apostles recorded in the book of Acts where God’s dealings with His people began to change. The focus of believers would change from the Temple system and a desire to rule in the Promised land, to spreading the Gospel of salvation to all of mankind. This corresponds with the political change which is occurring in America.
This ‘dispensation’ which has been named the ‘Church Age’ by theologians would be paralleled in our days in a Sixth Party System. It is too early to give a solid prediction but another ‘Party System’ is due to occur in the near future. The rise of “anti-establishment” candidates in 2016 and the election of Donald Trump is indicative of this change.
As mentioned before, the Sadducees were the ‘conservative’ party during the Second Temple period. They disappeared from the scene after the fall of the Temple, leaving only the Pharisees and a new ‘sect’ called Christians.
Different periods or eras in our nation’s political history have been divided up into what are called ‘Party Systems.’ In the Presidents Code, these Party Systems correspond with dispensations in the Biblical narrative.
For clarity, here is a quick summary. The First Party System of the Federalists and Democrat-Republicans displayed the time period of the Garden of Eden. This era was the time period of the Founders, Washington – Monroe.
The Second Party System of the Democrats and Whigs depicted the time period of Adam in exile through the days of Noah until the time of Abraham. This era came about during the “second generation” of Americans and was dominated by Andrew Jackson and his supporters.
The Third Party system began with the days of Abraham Lincoln and the formation of the Republican party which corresponds with the time period in Scripture of Abraham and the covenant between God and his seed. This was the time period of the Civil War and the Reconstruction of America after the war. This period parallels the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The Fourth Party System came about during the Presidencies of Grover Cleveland and William McKinley and lasted until the days of Franklin Roosevelt. This time period corresponded with the days of Joseph and Israel in the land of Egypt.
We are currently in the Fifth Party System which began during the days of Franklin Roosevelt and corresponds with the ‘dispensation’ of Moses, the Old Covenant and the giving of the Law. There have been a number of significant changes during this era, called ‘political re-alignments’ but the FDR style government has continued to this day.
The next ‘dispensation’ in the Scriptures is the time period of the Apostles and the New Covenant where the focus of God’s dealings with His people transitions from the Old Covenant, the Temple system and living in the Promised Land to the dispensation of the New Testament and the spreading of the Gospel to the four corners of the world. This sixth party system seems to have begun in Obama’s Presidency.
Barack Obama and Ron Paul were the initial catalysts in bringing about this new era. The large crowds and the almost ‘messianic fervor’ which was seen for Barack Obama in 2008, and Ron Paul in 2012 are indicative of the state of the people in this country. This fervor has transitioned today to Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. The people are desperate for change. They are tired of the corruption seen in their government. This was seen during the days of Messiah as well. The corruption of the religious leaders was seen by many in the nation so they flocked to John the Baptist (Matthew 3:5; Mark 1:5; Luke 3:7) and later to Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:25; 5:1; 8:1; 12:15; 15:30; 21:9; Luke 5:15; 14:25).
This movement continued into the days of the Apostles recorded in the book of Acts where God’s dealings with His people began to change. The focus of believers would change from the Temple system and a desire to rule in the Promised land, to spreading the Gospel of salvation to all of mankind (Acts 1:6-8). This corresponds with the political change which is occurring in America.
2012 Election
The 2012 Election saw President Barack Obama running for re-election against Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Either candidate would have continued the “Presidents Code” but there are a few events which occurred which pointed to President Obama being re-elected. We will discuss those events at the end of this post. First, lets look at the candidates and see how their elections would continue the “code”.
In the code, President Obama being re-elected would continue the storyline of the days of Jesus Christ. If Mitt Romney would have been elected, the same period would have been displayed, albeit with a focus on the religious leaders of the time. Mitt Romney’s name meaning is pointing to the corrupt leadership in Israel during the days of Christ. His name links very strongly to King Herod. The Presidency of George W. Bush depicted the days of corrupt leadership in Israel during the Second Temple period as well. It is no surprise then that Mitt Romney associated himself with many of the same advisors as President Bush. His top advisors, including those on foreign policy, the economy and education were primarily from the Bush administration. This election then was a replay of the two choices in 2008 between Obama and John McCain.
The 2008 election saw the choice between Barack Obama and John McCain. John McCain’s name meaning pointed to the wicked leadership of Israel in the Second Temple period. Like Romney, McCain was very similar in policy to George W. Bush. Many even joked that a McCain Presidency would be a third term of George W. Bush.
John means camp of the LORD, referring to Israel. McCain means the son of Cain, speaking of the wicked leaders of Israel during the days spoken of in the New Testament writings (John 8:44; Matthew 23:15; 1 John 3:12).
Now, let us move on to Mitt Romney’s name meaning.
Mitt Romney
Willard, is Romney’s real first name. It is a Germanic name derived from the elements ‘wil’ which means will or desire and ‘hard’ which means hardy or cruel. A strong, hard will. Jesus, referring back to the words of Isaiah, applied this to the religious leaders who rejected Him. Their unrepentant heart kept their hearts far from Him (Isaiah 29:10-13; 6:9-10; Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-13). Cruelty is also a characteristic of these false shepherds of Israel (Ezekiel 34:4; Isaiah 56:11).
A mitt is a glove that fits on either hand. The word ‘mitt’ comes from the Middle English ‘myten’ which means the middle or center. This corresponds with Romney’s character of being a ‘flip-flopper’ who changed his mind on many major issues throughout his political career. This is also pointing to the Pharisees who attempted to serve two masters, God and mammon (Luke 16:13-14; 20:47; Matthew 23:14).
Romney is of Old Welsh origin and refers to a winding, meandering river. Again, this depicts the changing or meandering positions of Romney during his political life. His name is a portrayal of a double minded man who is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
The leadership of Israel displays the “doublemindedness” in their hypocrisy (Matthew 6:2,5; 15:7-9; 22:18; 23:13-15, 23-29; Mark 7:6; Luke 11:44; 12:1; Galatians 2:13).
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Mitt Romney’s character fits that of Herod in numerous ways. Romney is the first Mormon to obtain the nomination for President from the Republican or Democratic parties. This is significant as his Mormon faith corresponds in compelling ways to King Herod.
It is not the purpose of this article to go into a condemnatory treatise on the Mormon faith. It is important to note however, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints proclaims to be a Christian church, yet has separated itself from mainstream Christendom. This corresponds to Herod who, although set up as King of the Jews, was not a Jew but an Edomite.
This is interesting to note as Herod came from an Edomite family that converted to Judaism after a Maccabee High Priest John Hyrcanus conquered the region of Idumea in around 130BC. He required all Edomites to obey Jewish law or leave. Most converted to Judaism and were circumcised. Mitt Romney was known for his liberal past and his “flip-flopping” where he eventually “converted” to the Neo-Con wing of the Republican party.
Continuing with the theme of separation from the mainstream is Former Mormon President and ‘prophet’ Gordon B. Hinckley who went so far as to say that the Jesus of Mormonism is different from the Jesus of mainstream Christianity.
The LDS Church News, in June 1998, reported the following:
“In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints ‘do not believe in the traditional Christ. No, I don’t. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times’”
However, Hinckley maintained he is a Christian.
“Am I Christian?” Hinckley asked rhetorically, “Of course I am. I believe in Christ. I talk of Christ. I pray through Christ. I’m trying to follow Him and live His gospel in my life”.
In 37 BC Marc Antony set up Herod as king of the Jews, yet in reality he was an Edomite. He was a false king. Herod knew of his illegitimacy which is why he attempted to kill Jesus when He was born as Jesus was the true King of Israel (Matthew 2:1-18).
Another important connection to note between Mitt Romney and King Herod is the ‘god-man’ concept. Mormons are known for their belief that they will become gods. Here a few examples from Mormon writings which proclaim this doctrine of man becoming god.
Joseph Smith, the Founder of the Mormon religion said:
“God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted Man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens. That is the great secret…Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you.” {Journal of Discourses 6}
The fifth LDS prophet Lorenzo Snow said in 1840, “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”
Brigham Young also said, “The Lord created you and me for the purpose of becoming Gods like Himself” (Journal Of Discourses 3:93).
This idea of man being a god corresponds with a later Herod who was also proclaimed as such (Acts 12:21-22).
Another link between Herod and Mitt Romney is the beheading of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10). The relationship was seen in the 2012 Republican primaries between Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. Ron Paul is a portrayal of John the Baptist.
In the 2012 race for President there were numerous parallels between Herod’s relationship with John the Baptist and Mitt Romney’s relationship with Ron Paul.
Scripture declares that Herod imprisoned John the Baptist and wanted him killed but would not do so openly because of fear (Matthew 14:5). Eventually, on his birthday he did have John beheaded at the behest of his wife (Matthew 14:6-11). Romney’s campaign never went on a full scale attack against Ron Paul during the 2012 campaign but during the Republican convention, or it could be said Romney’s ‘birthday,’ his true intentions were seen.
In the 2012 primaries, Mitt Romney made a conscious effort not to attack Ron Paul openly because, presumably, he feared him and the following he had attained.
A good example of why Romney feared Dr. Paul is seen in the 2008 primaries, Ron Paul had made a mockery of Mitt Romney’s response to a foreign policy question asked by Chris Matthews during a debate. Matthews asked:
“If you were President of the United States, would you need to go to Congress to get authorization to take military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities?”
Romney responded:
“Uh, you sit down with your attorneys to tell you what you have to do. But obviously the President of the United States has to do what is in the best interest of the United States to protect us against a potential threat. The President did that as he was planning to move into Iraq and received the authorization of Congress…”
Matthews interrupted with the question, “did he need it?”
“Uh, you know we are gonna let the lawyers sort out what he needed to do and what he didn’t need to do, but certainly what you want to do is have the agreement of all the people in leadership of our government as well as our friends around the world where the circumstances are available…”
Ron Paul was asked the same question, “do you believe the President needs authorization from Congress to attack strategic targets in Iran?”
“Absolutely. This idea of going and talking to attorneys totally baffles me. Why don’t we just open up the Constitution and read it? You’re not allowed to go war without a declaration of war!”
Ron Paul was referring to Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution which says that only Congress is given the power to declare war. The last time that Congress formally declared war was in 1941 after Pearl Harbor was attacked. This means that since World War II, none of the wars fought by the United States have been authorized by the Constitution.
In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution to prevent un-constitutional wars. However, nearly every President since Gerald Ford has openly defied these War Powers Resolutions. In the “Presidents Code” this displays the theme of kings ruling over Israel unto the the time of Caesar ruling over Israel.
In the 2012 Primaries, Romney avoided the same mistakes by referring to Ron Paul as the ‘constitutionalist.’ During a debate, Romney was asked by George Stephanopoulos if states had the right to ban contraception.
” I don’t know of any candidate that wants to do so, you’re asking could it constitutionally be done? We can ask our constitutionalist here [gesturing to Ron Paul]”
In the 2012 Primaries, the only person left between Mitt Romney and the nomination was Ron Paul. Through a strong grassroots movement, Ron Paul had amassed an estimated 500 or more delegates and won the majority of delegates in more than 5 states which would have given him at least a speaking spot at the Convention. There were even rumors of numerous ‘stealth’ delegates which would have voted for Ron Paul to cause a brokered convention. While a brokered convention was unlikely, the fear of chaos at the convention was foreseen by the Romney campaign and the Republican party.
Although Mitt Romney had been already been declared the presumptive nominee, these delegates could have caused an embarrassing situation to occur on the floor of the Republican convention where Romney would not have appeared as having the entire Republican party behind him. Perception is important in politics and the Republican party did not want to have Romney appear weak as he ran against an incumbent President.
To prevent this embarrassment, numerous rule changes were passed on the convention floor which caused much controversy. After taking a floor vote on the new rules, there was an obvious audible split between the ‘ayes’ and the ‘nays’ with some observers saying the ‘nays’ had the majority, but Speaker John Boehner proclaimed that the ‘ayes have it’ leading to a plethora of boos coming from the crowd. This is significant as after the clear display of opposing votes, Republican Party protocol declares that a roll call vote should have been made. The next day it came out why that roll call was not made. Speaker Boehner was reading off of a teleprompter and disregarded completely the delegates who opposed the new rules.
This is important to note as it reveals that the Republican party had already decided to pass the new rules regardless of any opposition on the floor.
The new rules that were passed bound delegates to the winner of the primary vote for each state. For instance, Ron Paul had the majority of delegates in states like Iowa and Maine but due to the new rules, these delegates would not be allowed to vote for Paul at the convention because he didn’t win the Primary vote. This unjust rule change even caused the Maine delegates to walk out in protest.
During the first day of the convention, Ron Paul made an appearance on the floor which caused a resounding round of applause and chants of ‘Let him speak.’ Days before the convention Ron Paul gave an interview with the New York Times and said that the convention organizers offered him a speaking role, but only if he gave a ‘full-fledged endorsement’ of Mitt Romney and agreed to have his remarks pre-approved. Ron Paul said ‘it wouldn’t be my speech’ and that to compromise ‘would undo everything I’ve done in the last 30 years.” Consequently, Dr. Paul did not endorse Mitt Romney and was not given a speaking spot at the Republican Convention. However, the weekend before the ‘official’ convention a Ron Paul rally was held where he got to speak for over an hour to a sold out crowd of nearly 10,000 people.
These things are mentioned to give a small picture of how Mitt Romney obtained the Republican nomination and show how Ron Paul was unfairly treated. Michael Alford documents this in more detail in his book “Swindled: How the GOP Cheated Ron Paul and Lost Themselves the Election”.
In essence, the 2012 Republican primaries were a display of John the Baptist being imprisoned. The 2012 Republican Convention was a display of Herod beheading John. During the convention, Ron Paul adviser Doug Wead, spoke of Mitt Romney threatening Ron Paul during the 2012 primaries. Wead said that Romney threatened Ron Paul with a ‘PR A Bomb’ using his massive amounts of money to ‘destroy the name Ron Paul forever.’ Many had wondered why the two did not debate each other in the Spring of 2012 after the rest of the Presidential candidates dropped out of the race and why Ron Paul did not go on the attack against Romney during the campaign. This response by Wead, seemed to answer these questions.
These threats by Romney were a type of binding of Ron Paul, corresponding with the imprisonment of John the Baptist. Televised debates between Ron Paul and Mitt Romney would have clearly displayed their differences and brought forth Dr. Paul’s message to a larger audience. A speaking spot at the Republican convention would have given Ron Paul even more influence as a large majority of Americans do not pay attention to Presidential races until the conventions. The actions of the Republican party at their convention and their refusal to allow Dr. Paul to speak at the convention, corresponds with the beheading of John the Baptist.
There is a lot more to this story but this should suffice for now to display the Herod – John the Baptist, Mitt Romney – Ron Paul parallel. These events surrounding Ron Paul and the unjust actions by the Republican party turned out to play a significant role in the shaping of America’s politics in the years to come. This was one of the catalysts driving America into a 6th party system.
Now this is not to say that message and character of Mitt Romney is entirely negative. Romney’s election theme is to ‘Restore America.’ This corresponds with the message that was going forth in Israel by John the Baptist and Jesus (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13). As with Barack Obama, his message corresponded with the message of Jesus but his actions with those of the religious leaders of that period.
Mitt Romney chose Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate. Ryan’s name also points to the time period of Jesus, in particular the time frame of his crucifixion.
Paul comes from the Roman name ‘Paulus’ meaning small or humble.
Davis comes from the name דוד ‘David’ meaning beloved.
Ryan comes from an Irish surname which is derived from ‘Ó Riain’ meaning descendent of Rían. Rían means ‘little king.’
This name points to Jesus the beloved One (Matthew 3:17; 12:18; Mark 1:11), who is brought low at the cross (Philippians 2:5-8), by the hands of ‘little kings’ Herod and Pilate. Both Herod and Pilate were rulers over the land but were underlings to the Roman Caesar, hence they were ‘little kings.’
This was the time in which the kings and rulers conspired against the Lord and His Anointed but their plans were thwarted by the victory of His resurrection (Psalm 2:1-3; Acts 2:23; 4:25-27). Jesus overcame their attempts to silence the Gospel by crucifying Him. He resurrected and gave His disciples the mission of spreading this Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:47-48; Acts 1:8) accompanied with power to do so (Acts 1:8; 4:33; Romans 1:4-5).
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Act 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
There is an interesting thought that comes to mind about the hurricane that occurred during the Republican Convention in light of the ‘Presidents Code.’ The hurricane’s name was Isaac which means laughter. If Romney and Ryan would have gotten elected they would pictured either Herod or Pilate who are ‘kings’ set against God (Acts 4:27). It is these kings which the LORD God ‘laughs’ at in their futile plans to ‘rule the world’ (Psalm 2).
So we can see that whoever is elected, the ‘code’ will continue. From the research I have done, this has been the case for the other 56 elections as well. Some have been more obvious than others but either way, the message of the Bible would have been displayed. Regardless of who is put into office and which direction the country takes, God is in control (Psalm 22:28; 75:7; Daniel 2:21; John 3:27; 19:11).
Now, lets examine in a couple of events which occurred during the 2012 Presidential campaign which pointed to Barack Obama being re-elected
Now, lets examine the event which occurred during the 2012 Presidential campaign which pointed to Barack Obama being re-elected. This was Hurricane Sandy. As a matter of fact, after the election Mitt Romney blamed Hurricane Sandy for his loss. Hurricane Sandy hit the East coast of the United States at the end of October, just days before the general election. Republicans believe that the hurricane stopped Mitt Romney’s “momentum” and allowed President Obama to be portrayed as a strong leader.
The meaning of the name Sandy is “defender of men”. This is the role of Jesus the Messiah, the Defender of mankind (Psalm 109:31; Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15-16; Luke 22:31-32; Romans 8:31-34; 1 John 2:2). In Hebrew, to defend is the word ישע ‘yesha’ which is the source of the name ישוע ‘Yeshua,’ the Hebrew name of Jesus.
Going deeper, in the Scriptures, God speaks through the whirlwind (Job 38:1). The Hebrew word for hurricane or whirlwind is סופה ‘sopha’ which is picturing a circling wind which devours the land in its mouth. Literally, the word means to “turn” or “return” to the mouth. The mouth is analagous to the Word, even the Hebrew word for mouth { פה ‘peh’} is translated as mouth in some occasions in Scripture (Genesis 41:40; Numbers 3:16, 51; 4:45 etc). Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-2, 14).
ישע ‘yesha’ is translated in the Septuagint by the Greek word for mercy, which is associated with God’s love, revealed in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5; Luke 1:50-75; Romans 15:9). In his victory speech after the election, President Obama’s spoke of the importance of love as a bond that unites.
“This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history but that’s not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture, are all the envy of the world but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on Earth, the belief that our destiny is shared, that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and the future generations so that the freedom so many Americans have fought for and died for comes with responsibilities as well as rights, and among those are love, and charity, and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.
And making the difficult compromises needed to move the country forward but that common bond is where we must begin.”
Republicans also pointed to the cooperation of President Obama and Republican governor Chris Christie as a contributing factor to Obama’s re-election. Governor Christie openly praised President Obama for his leadership which, many Republicans, also blamed for Romney’s loss.
Christie’s role in Hurricane Sandy is significant as his name meaning points directly the Jesus Christ.
Chris is a nickname for Christopher which means “bearing Christ”.
James comes from the name Jacob. Jacob comes from the Hebrew word עקב ‘aqav’ which means to restrain or a heel as a heel is restrained when one takes a step forward. It is a word associated with struggle and warfare tracing back to the warfare between the Seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15).
Christie means son of Christopher or “son of Christian”. It is a “pet form” of the personal name Christian. Here then in Chris Christie’s name is seen three direct references to Jesus the Messiah. Because an Obama victory would continue the storyline of the Messiah as opposed to a Romney victory which would put the focus on the rulers of Israel during the days of Messiah, this series of events led me to believe with certainty that Obama would be re-elected.
If Romney and Ryan were elected as President and Vice President, we would have entered the time period of Herod/Pilate and the crucifixion of Messiah. According to this ‘code,’ this would point to a dark time in US history, yet a time would follow of light and hope. This may have been pointing to new ‘era’ paralleling the time of the Apostles. This was a time of spiritual revival amidst persecution of the establishment.
There is an interesting thought that comes to mind about the hurricane that occurred during the Republican Convention in light of the ‘Presidents Code.’ The hurricane’s name was Isaac which means laughter. If Romney and Ryan would have gotten elected they would pictured either Herod or Pilate who are ‘kings’ set against God (Acts 4:27). It is these kings which God ‘laughs’ at in their futile plans to ‘rule the world’ (Psalm 2).
This is not to say the two elections of Barack Obama were pointing directly at Christ. His Presidencies displayed the narrative of the Gospels where Christ came forth preaching the Gospel and was opposed by the Jewish leadership of the time.
The Presidency of Barack Obama displayed the Jewish people during the days of Christ. The people drew nigh to God with their mouth and honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8). Their worship was in vain as they walked according to the doctrines of Judaism as opposed to walking in true faith (Matthew 15:7-10; Isaiah 29:13). So too, the speeches and message of President Obama were honorable. However, the actions taken during His Presidency did not always match his message. The Obama Presidency did not bring significant change and did not bring the hope promised. His Presidency aligned more with the corrupt political structure of the “status quo”/”deep state” that corresponds in the code with the corrupt Jewish leadership which opposed Christ Jesus.
Arab Spring
The Arab spring began during the end of Obama’s first term and continued through the beginning of His second term. Arabs are known by the general term the “people of the east”.
Is this pointing to the wise men (Matthew 2:1)? It is at this point in the code that the narrative of John the Baptist and the birth of Christ is seen. The narrative of the birth of Christ begins with the wise men of the East.
Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
The Hebrew word for Arab is ערב ‘arav’ which means sterility. Is this pointing to the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)? Or is this pointing to the sterility of Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother (Luke 1:36)?
Or is the Arab Spring pointing to the corruption of the Jewish leadership who mixed the faith of the fathers with Mystery religion doctrine of Babylon as mentioned before? ערב ‘arav’ also has the meaning of mixture and merchandise.
Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
During the end of Obama’s first term the War on Iraq was declared to be over and during his second term the War on Terror was essentially ended through the ending of combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014. The conflict was not entirely over as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) rose to power to fill the vacuum.
This seems to line up with the Bush-Maccabee narrative as during the Bush years, active wars were happening which lined up with active warfare between the Maccabees and their neighbors. Rome would take dominion over the land however, leading to the ending of Jewish warfare against their enemies. At the same time, the Jews would be under the dominion of another people, yet at “peace.” America would not actively be fighting wars in the Middle East and at the same time ISIS would still be at war with the U.S. just as the Jews were under the oppression of Rome.
The War on Terror depicting the struggles between Israel and those who would have dominion over them. This began with the dominion of the Greeks over Israel, followed by the victory of the Maccabees and the institution of the Hasmonean kingdom. This was short lived however, and the Romans would then take dominion over the people and the land. This is the time period in which the New Testament was written, a time in which Israel was still in a struggle against foreign dominion. A time in which they hoped for their Redeemer who they believed would conquer their enemies in military battle as did the Maccabees before. They were waiting for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer their foes but did not understand that He had to first come as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world (Revelation 5:5-10).
The Neo-Cons disapproved of the ending of the War on Terror believing it would make America less safe. The Jewish leadership feared that the miracles of Jesus would lead people to revolt with Him against the Romans and in consequence they would lose their power that was given to them by the Caesar (John 11:48-53).
Joh 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
Terrorism in America and the War on Terror points to conflicts between Israel and her neighbors from the time of the Prophets until the New Testament. Clinton’s time in office portrayed the time of the Kings and Prophets which saw constant conflict. Bush’s Presidency pointed to the time of the Maccabees which saw war against the Greeks for dominion over the Promised Land. Eventually, the Romans took over and relative peace was seen as a treaty was made between the Maccabees and Romans (1 Maccabees 8:22-32; 2 Maccabees 4:11).
The War on Terror ties into the idea of American exceptionalism. The Presidency of George W. Bush saw the rise of the Neo-Conservative movement to power in America. One of the foundations of the Neo-Conservative movement is based upon using American power to ‘spread’ Democracy to other nations in the guise of protecting America and its interests abroad. To achieve this they even support pre-emptive war which had never been apart of the rule of conduct for America.
This became known as the “Bush doctrine,” a veiled proclamation that America has declared ‘war’ on any country that is deemed tyrannical. This is a dangerous formula for unending wars in the name of promoting freedom. This corresponds to the corrupt proselytizing done by the scribes and Pharisees during the time of the second Temple.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
The leaders of Judaism did not desire to convert other nations to Judaism for the sake of lofty religious ideals. They wanted to ‘convert’ them for the sake of base gain (Isaiah 56:10-12; 1 Peter 5:2). They spoke of proselytes as a ‘scab to Israel.’ John Lightfoot in his commentary of the New Testament from the Talmud and Hebraica said the following:
“Yet in making of these they used their utmost endeavours for the sake of their own gain, that they might some way or other drain their purses, after they had drawn them in under the show of religion, or make some use or benefit to themselves by them. The same covetousness, therefore, under a veil of hypocrisy, in devouring widows’ houses, which our Saviour had condemned in the former clause he here also condemns in hunting after proselytes; which the scribes and Pharisees were at all kind of pains to bring over to them. Not that they cared for proselytes; whom they accounted as ‘a scab and plague;’ but that the more they could draw over to their religion, the greater draught they should have for gain, and the more purses to fish in. These, therefore, being so proselyted, ‘they made doubly more the children of hell than themselves.’ For when they had drawn them into their net, having got their prey, they were no further concerned what became of them, so they got some benefit by them. They might perish in ignorance, superstition, atheism, and all kind of wickedness: this was no matter of concern to the scribes and Pharisees; only let them remain in Judaism, that they might lord it over their consciences and purses.”
So too, the America’s leading of other nations to ‘convert’ to Democracy has produced the same imagery. The countries which America has ‘led’ to Democratic elections still view America unfavorably as an hypocritical foreign power that is only there to draw forth their riches, oil (Matthew 6:2, 5; 15:7; 23:13-15, 23-29; Luke 11:44).
This forced spread of Democracy to other nations of the world is justified under the doctrine of ‘American Exceptionalism.’ This idea is based upon America’s goodness seen in its form of government which is based upon rights given by a Creator. Its the concept of a ‘shining city upon a hill.’ The problem with the usage by the Neo-Conservative movement is that the concept of a shining city upon a hill has always been one of setting an example for others to follow, not forcing American ideals upon them by warfare.
Both the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that the Messiah would come to save Israel by force, destroying their enemies through war and setting up Israel as the head of the nations. This is depicted by the Neocon idea that the American empire will spread by the use of its military power and thus lead the peoples of the world into freedom. Contrariwise, Jesus Christ came preaching the Gospel of love and repentance towards God. The message that the Kingdom of God begins within the heart of man (Luke 17:21) and would spread by peace, not violence (Mark 16:15; Luke 4:18; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15).
The neoconservative’s corrupted view of American Exceptionalism is further seen in the belief of Jews during the Second Temple period that they were somehow better, or more exceptional, than other peoples because they were the seed of Abraham (John 8:33). This belief was rebuked by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
The message of Jesus was that the actions of believers, walking in the love of the Word of God is what makes them the shining city upon a hill.
John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Scripture declares this light as the Word of God (Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:105), who became flesh and dwelt among us (Isaiah 9:2; John 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). During the second Temple period, Israel had come to boast that they were this light, forgetting that it is not they, but the Word of God that shines as light into the world (Romans 2:17-29).
The problem with the Bush Doctrine is that many of the means which were instituted to spread Democracy to other nations were based in unconstitutional actions. The right message was being put forth, but the means by which it was to be instituted was corrupted. This was the problem with Israel during the days of King Herod.
The religious leaders of Israel during the days of King Herod were zealous for the law, but this zealousness was not mixed with the true intent of the law which is faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). As a result, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1,3; 11:10; Luke 3:4; 7:27). The message of John the Baptist and the Messiah was one of restoration (Malachi 3:3-4; 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Mark 9:11-13), restoration to the true meaning and intent of the Word of God (Luke 1:68-79; 3:3-18).
The religious leaders of Israel had inherited a zealousness for the law from the Maccabees and saw their religion as that which defined them (1 Maccabees 2:19; 2 Maccabees 8:1; 14:38). The message of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ was not that of religion, but of relationship with God through covenant (Acts 5:20; Luke 3:8; 13:25-29; Matthew 7:21-23; 18:3; 21:31; Luke 6:46).
The religion which was set up by the leaders of Israel became known as the tradition of the elders (Matthew 15:3), a set of guidelines which the nation was to follow. In and of itself this is not a negative thing but the problem is that the people exalted their traditions above the Word of God. As a result, this religiosity became in reality, lawlessness (John 7:19; Matthew 23:28; Galatians 6:13).
For more on the parable of the Presidents Code:
Following is a ‘chart’ which gives a quick synopsis of the Presidents Code:
George Washington The Garden planted Genesis 2
John Adams Adam in the Garden Genesis 2
Thomas Jefferson Serpent in the Garden Genesis 3
James Madison Seed of Woman vs. The serpent Genesis 3
James Monroe War between the seeds Genesis 3
John Quincy Adams War won by the Seed of woman Genesis 3
Andrew Jackson Victory of the Promised Seed Genesis 3
Martin Van Buren Cain, Abel & Seth Genesis 4
William Henry Harrison Days of Noah Genesis 6
John Tyler The ark of Noah Genesis 6-7
James Polk Mountains of Ararat, Noah’s vineyard Genesis 8-9
Zachary Taylor Covenant with Noah and his vineyard Genesis 8-9
Millard Fillmore Blessing of Shem, curse of Canaan Genesis 9
Franklin Pierce The Blessing of Shem Genesis 9
James Buchanan Nimrod and the Tower of Babel Genesis 10-11
Abraham Lincoln Abraham Genesis 12-21
Andrew Johnson Isaac Genesis 22
Ulysses S. Grant Jacob & Esau Genesis 25-28
Rutherford B. Hayes Jacob flees Genesis 29
James A. Garfield Jacob and Laban Genesis 29-31
Chester A. Arthur Jacob returning to Canaan Genesis 30-32
Grover Cleveland Jacob & the Angel Genesis 32
Benjamin Harrison Israel & Shechem Genesis 33-35
Grover Cleveland (2) Covenant between God and Jacob Genesis 35
William McKinley Joseph and his brothers Genesis 37
Theodore Roosevelt Joseph in Egypt Genesis 39-41
William Howard Taft Joseph’s in prison, exalted Genesis 39-47
Woodrow Wilson Joseph ruler of Egypt Genesis 41-50
Warren G. Harding Israel dwelling in Goshen Genesis 46-50
Calvin Coolidge Joseph & Israel in Egypt Genesis 50-Exodus 1
Herbert Hoover Joseph & Israel in Egypt Genesis 50-Exodus 1
Franklin D. Roosevelt Pharaoh & Moses Exodus 1-2
Harry S. Truman Deliverance from Egypt Exodus 1-19
Dwight D. Eisenhower Israel at Mt. Sinai Exodus 17-20
John F. Kennedy The 2nd Generation of Israel Numbers 20-36
Lyndon B. Johnson The book of Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 1-34
Richard Nixon Joshua and the Judges Joshua – 1 Samuel 2
Gerald Ford Samuel, Saul & David 1 Samuel 1-25
Jimmy Carter The struggles of David 1Samuel 16 – 2Samuel 24
Ronald Reagan King David 1 & 2 Samuel
George H.W. Bush Solomon 1 Kings 1-11
Bill Clinton Kings, Ezra & Nehemiah 1 & 2 Kings – Nehemiah
George W. Bush The Second Temple period Ezra – Malachi
Barack Obama The days of Jesus Matthew
Donald Trump Battle between Christ and Jewish leadership/the Crucifixion Matthew
Joe Biden End of Matthew to the beginning of Mark Matthew-Mark
Donald Trump (2) Death & Resurrection of Christ to His Advent Matthew – Mark
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